The Payne-staking selection process is over…
Irish coach Joe Schmidt has announced his team to face South Africa in the opening game of the Guinness International series on Saturday in the Aviva Stadium.
Injuries and retirements to key players has meant that the team has an unfamiliar look to it, especially in the front-row and in the centres. Jonathan Sexton has recovered from a hamstring injury to take his place at fly-half alongside the in-form Conor Murray, who has been fantastic for Munster so far this season.
In the absence of Cian Healy and Rory Best, Leinster duo Jack McGrath and Sean Cronin start in the front row alongside their provincial team-mate Mike Ross, who has been passed fit to play.
The big news in the team comes in the centre positions with Joe Schmidt, as had been flagged, opting for Irish naturalised Jared Payne and Connacht’s young star Robbie Henshaw at 12 and 13 respectively, with Gordon D’Arcy, who had been struggling with injury of late, not included in the matchday 23.
This will be the first time the pair have played together but there is high hopes among many supporters for their partnership in the future.
Below is the team in full, let us know in the comments if you agree with Schmidt’s selection…
Ireland team to face South Africa: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Simon Zebo; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross; Devin Toner, Paul O’Connell; Peter O’Mahony, Chris Henry, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Dave Kilcoyne, Rodney Ah You, Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Felix Jones
