We’re back at sea level and throwing every fit, senior player at the Springboks.
Joe Schmidt has named his Ireland team to face South Africa in the third, final and deciding Test of the series.
There are returns to the XV for Mike Ross, CJ Stander, Jordi Murphy, Keith Earls and Luke Marshall. All five started the victorious first Test before being afforded a week off. We will only know if Schmidt’s gamble was paid off at full time on Saturday.
Ross re-takes his place in the front row with captain Rory Best and Jack McGrath. Devin Toner gets Iain Henderson back in the second row as Stander and Murphy will pack down at the back of the scrum with Jamie Heaslip.
Conor Murray and Paddy Jackson continue as half backs while Earls replaces Craig Gilroy on the left wing. Andrew Trimble, once again, wears 14. Jared Payne hasn’t proved his fitness to start at fullback, Tiernan O’Halloran comes in.
With Robbie Henshaw ruled out, Schmidt has opted for the Ulster duo of Stuart Olding and Luke Marshall in midfield.
The Third Test against South Africa takes place from 4pm this Saturday in Port Elizabeth.
Here's the @IrishRugby team v @Springboks. @thepain15 ruled out @Tiernanoh11 to start. #TeamOfUs #ShoulderToSHoulder pic.twitter.com/ZPb2ika9jr
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 23, 2016
IRELAND TEAM
15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Andrew Trimble
13. Luke Marshall
12. Stuart Olding
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
