Most times, you'd be very confused when Joe Schmidt makes five changes to his starting line-up. Indeed, there are some fans out there who aren't pleased with the team that the Ireland head coach has chosen to represent us in Johannesburg this Saturday.
But I think it's the most exciting 23 that Joe Schmidt has ever selected for Ireland.
I was fearful for Ireland's prospects in the second test for a number of reasons. We're at week 52 of the season. Ireland don't do well after emotional victories. I expected the players to be wrecked after a) game against South Africa, and b) doing so with just 14 men. Not to mention the altitude. I was expecting a hiding.
Not anymore. Schmidt's team selection has shown the right amount of rotation for freshness, that should allow Ireland to be competitive. Whilst South Africa's selection keeps the same issues that were there last week. Frans Malherbe is still the worst South African prop in history.
I'm most happy that Mike Ross has been rested until the 3rd test. He'll be needed, but this week wasn't for him. At 36, after a long season, altitude is going to affect him more than most. The Beast had his number in the scrum in the opening test. But Furlong and Bealham should go well. Furlong did really well when introduced last week, and I think we could see Ireland's future at tighthead this weekend. It's a big test.
It's not just that Schmidt rested the right players, he's also rewarding form - and hinting towards an exciting gameplan. Stuart Olding and Craig Gilroy finally get their chance and they could do damage. South Africa were exposed when Ireland went wide early last week - so bringing in another distributor in Olding hints that Ireland could play more expansively.
It's what we wanted.
Are there some aspects I'd change - sure, but this is the most exciting Schmidt team in a long time. He deserves credit for the excitement and rewarding form. Luke Marshall and Ultan Dillane can be frustrated after impressing last week, but hopefully they are being held back for next week.
I've been critical of his team selection in the past. I'm certainly not now. Schmidt has given Ireland the best chance of winning on Saturday. Whether we can or not will be another thing.
See Also: The Ireland Starting XV To Face South Africa Has Been Named
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
