Last Saturday, Ireland beat the Springboks in South Africa for the first time. This weekend, they can go one step further.
Ireland go into the Second Test without the suspended CJ Stander but no major injury worries.
Had Stander escaped a further sanction for his unfortunate collision with Pat Lambie, Schmidt would have named an unchanged Ireland team for only the third time in his tenure. As it is, he will need a No.6.
There are two clear paths to take – bring in Rhys Ruddock or shift Iain Henderson to the back row. Given the impact of Ultan Dillane off the bench, last time out, Joe Schmidt is leaning towards Henderson.
That would mean a first Test start for Dillane after four appearances off the bench. It is the selection that the majority of Irish fans have called for.
Henderson made his Ulster comeback near the tail-end of the regular season and played blindside. He was one of Ireland’s top performers last week, however, and Schmidt may be reluctant to change the second row partnership.
Starting Ruddock at blindside, which may be least disruptive given that Jordi Murphy and Jamie Heaslip are 7 and 8, would only leave Ulster’s Sean Reidy as the sole back-row cover. Donnacha Ryan has played blindside before but has not featured there for over three years.
Elsewhere, Jared Payne will continue in the fullback role he excelled in, Luke Marshall and Robbie Henshaw will be in midfield and Paddy Jackson will form the halfback pairing with Conor Murray.
Saturday’s Second Test takes place in Johannesburg from 4pm.
IRELAND’S EXPECTED TEAM
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. Ultan Dillane
6. Iain Henderson
7. Jordi Murphy
8. Jamie Heaslip
