A good few surprise selections and combinations for the opener against South Africa.
Jared Payne will start at fullback while Luke Marshall will be inside centre alongside Robbie Henshaw. As expected, Paddy Jackson gets the No.10 jersey.
The Irish front row is unchanged from the one that started against Scotland – Jack McGrath, Rory Best and Mike Ross – while Iain Henderson partners Devin Toner.
In the back-row, CJ Stander and Jamie Heaslip are joined by openside Jordi Murphy. Conor Murray partners fellow half-back Jackson with Andrew Trimble and Keith Earls on the wings.
Big session this morning ahead of the match. #shouldertoshoulder #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/rFacTvDyaf
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 9, 2016
Ultan Dillane has to settle for a place on the bench with Connacht teammate Finlay Bealham but there is no room for Matt Healy or Tiernan O’Halloran. Ulster’s Craig Gilroy is on the bench with Ian Madigan, Tadhg Furlong, Kieran Marmion, Sean Cronin and Ryhs Ruddock.
Saturday’s game takes place from 5pm at DHL Newlands Stadium.
IRELAND TEAM TO PLAY SOUTH AFRICA
15. Jared Payne
14. Andrew Trimble
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Luke Marshall
11. Keith Earls
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Iain Henderson
6. CJ Stander
7. Jordi Murphy
8. Jamie Heaslip
