Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has given his reasons for handing out two new caps and make five changes to his team.
Ireland need to beat England on Saturday to have any hope of retaining their Six Nations title. Schmidt has freshened up his side by bringing in uncapped youngsters Stuart McCloskey and Josh van der Flier. Ultan Dillane is on the bench.
“We’ve gone with form and we’ve gone with balance,” Schmidt explained of his selection calls. On the new caps, Schmidt said:
“Josh has been a guy that has impressed during the season… he has been tasked with the challenge of going out, in a very tough place, to claim the jersey….
“Stuart has a great opportunity to express himself and, at the same time, has to be watertight in an area we expect to be tested in.”
Schmidt has warned his new charges, which includes replacement lock Ultan Dillane, that Saturday will be a test like no other.
“You don’t know until you’ve been there how quick it is going to be and how physical it is going to be,” he said.
