Joe Schmidt has been forced to make several personnel and positional changes to his Ireland team for this weekend’s first test against South Africa in Cape Town.
As expected, Jared Payne reverts to fullback from his outside centre berth with Robbie Henshaw to be partnered by Ulster’s Luke Marshall in the middle in what is a talented but internationally inexperienced centre partnership.
Ulster's Iain Henderson partners Leinster’s totemic Devin Toner in the locks, while Jordi Murphy pips Rhys Ruddock to the number 7 jersey.
Munster man CJ Stander will line up against the country of his birth in a back row completed by Jamie Heaslip at number 8.
Paddy Jackson is named at starting fly-half in Johnny Sexton’s absence with Munster stalwart Conor Murray at scrumhalf, while Andrew Trimble and Keith Earls occupy the wings.
Up front, the tried and tested trio of Jack McGrath, Rory Best and Mike Ross will look to dominate the scrum against a fearsome Springbok pack.
The full Ireland team to face South Africa this Saturday at 4pm is:
- Jack McGrath
- Rory Best (c)
- Mike Ross
- Iain Henderson
- Devin Toner
- CJ Stander
- Jordi Murphy
- Jamie Heaslip
- Conor Murray
- Paddy Jackson
- Keith Earls
- Luke Marshall
- Robbie Henshaw
- Andrew Trimble
- Jared Payne
SUBS: Cronin, Bealham, Furlong, Dillane, Ruddock, Marmion, Madigan, Gilroy.
