Joe Schmidt is backing a squad that has failed to live up to pre-championship expectations.
Ireland are expected to name the same team that started the 22-9 loss to Wales in Cardiff, last Friday.
With England in the country ahead of a potential Grand Slam-clincher, Schmidt is keeping faith in the players that are currently in a distant second in the table.
The final decision on Keith Earls’ fitness will be made on Thursday morning but Schmidt and is coaching staff will give him until the last possible moment before the squad is confirmed. Were Earls to miss out, Schmidt could move Garry Ringrose to the wing and bring Jared Payne in as outside centre.
If Earls comes through training, Payne is favourite to come onto the bench as backline cover. Peter O’Mahony may well have to settle for a place on the bench again.
Donncha O’Callaghan told The Hard Yards rugby podcast that Joe Schmidt should have used his squad more during the Six Nations championship. However, he feels Ireland may benefit more from sticking with the same men that started in Cardiff. He said:
“[Wales coach] Rob Howley got reward for backing his players. They played for him against Ireland. He went out to bat for them by selecting them and they rewarded them with that performance.
“If Joe was to do the same, he would get the same response. Guys know he has every reason to leave guys out of the team but it would galvanise the whole squad if he were to back them.”
Schmidt will officially name his Ireland match-day squad at 1:45pm on Thursday.
IRELAND EXPECTED TEAM
15. R Kearney
14. Earls
13. Ringrose
12. Henshaw
11. Zebo
10. Sexton
9 Murray
1. McGrath
2. Best (c)
3. Furlong
4. Toner
5. Ryan
6. Stander
7. O’Brien
8. Heaslip
Replacements: N Scannell, Healy, J Ryan, Henderson, O’Mahony, Marmion, Jackson, Payne.
