Ireland (v South Africa): Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Simon Zebo; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross; Devin Toner, Paul O’Connell (capt.); Peter O’Mahony, Chris Henry, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Dave Kilcoyne, Rodney Ah You, Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Felix Jones.
Robbie Henshaw starts in Ireland's 12 shirt. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Will Henshaw and Payne work together?
OVER RECENT MONTHS, the discussion around Ireland’s midfield has been centred on one of Henshaw or Payne filling the 13 shirt, but Schmidt has opted to start both midfielders in this first Test of the season.
Henshaw is somewhat thrown into the deep end in being selected at inside centre, although there is little doubt the 21-year-old has the physical attributes to cope and thrive.
Schmidt likes his 12 to be a focal ball-carrier, a role Henshaw can deliver in. Despite his quiet form at 13 for Ulster, Payne gets the nod as Ireland’s outside centre on his international debut.
Both players are more than capable of stepping up to the required standard, but how will they function as a pairing? Will they swap positions intermittently? Is there a strong defensive trust between the pair?
Jean de Villiers and Jan Serfontein will strive to take advantage of any miscommunication in midfield.
Cronin’s ball-carrying
Cronin brings superb ball carrying to the mix. Colm O'Neill / INPHO
Colm O'Neill / INPHO / INPHO
While losing Rory Best to a calf strain was far from ideal for Schmidt, the benefit is that Leinster’s Sean Cronin comes into the starting XV, bringing with him an exceptional ball-carrying ability.
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The 28-year-old has had a few miscued throws in recent times, but will back himself to remedy that against a world-class Springboks line-out. Around the pitch, his quality is well flagged and his presence in the team excites in that regard.
Cronin has put many a back to shame in speed sessions, while his understanding of how defences operate allows him to pick intelligent lines more often that not. With Sean O’Brien and Cian Healy absent, his gainline threat may be essential.
Is Rob Kearney fully fit?
Kearney has had back issues early on this season. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Leinster’s fullback has been suffering with back issues in recent times, although he has trained fully this week, according to the Irish medical team. Doubts over his fitness are based around the inclusion of Felix Jones on the bench.
That said, the Munster man is fully deserving of his spot in the match day squad, having performed superbly in his leadership role for the province. His ability to make yards with every carry, his excellent rucking work and rock-solid tackling make him exactly the type of player Schmidt values.
It will be intriguing to see how and when Jones is used off the bench, if at all, while there will be close attention on Kearney following any early collisions he is involved in.
Zebo ready to shine
Zebo streaks clear to score against the Pumas during the summer. Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
Having broken back into the Ireland set-up on June’s tour of Argentina, where he gave several sharp reminders of his attacking ability, Zebo returns to an even bigger stage with a start on the left wing against the Boks.
The 24-year-old has certainly developed his all-round game over the last year as Schmidt has pushed Irish wings to be more than try-scorers and line-breakers. Zebo’s efforts around the breakdown have been notable, while he has chased kicks with renewed focus.
Still, the Cork native brings an element of the unpredictable and cutting edge to Ireland’s backline, which could be crucial in another close battle against Heyneke Meyer’s team.
Mike Ross makes it
Ross remains an important pillar for Ireland. Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
There had been doubts this week whether Mike Ross would be fully recovered from his groin issues in time to face the Boks, but it was always likely that Schmidt would go for the 34-year-old at tighthead even if he was not 100% fit.
Such is his experience and reliability that Ireland really couldn’t face into the task of taking on South Africa’s power without him, particularly as Marty Moore is injured at present.
Connacht man Rodney Ah You provides the cover from the bench at tighthead, but Ross is a key man if Ireland are to secure victory.
What do you think of Schmidt’s Ireland team to face the Boks? Would you have gone for something different? Who are the key men for Saturday’s clash?
This article was originally published at 13.25, then updated at 17.00.
I dunno about everyone else, but I’m damn excited about this. Bowe is back, brand new centre partnership that, while we all questioned, Joe has seen something in… and he’s not the Irish coach by accident, he is clearly qualified and sees shit we don’t. Zebo is back in the squad off a couple of great performances, and brings that… christ, I hate this cliche… x-factor. The front-row isn’t first choice, but this is exactly how players get experience. No point easing them into the squad. It’s sink or swim. Roll on Saturday!
Probably not who I’d have chosen, for sure. But hey, in the blind optimism stakes, I’ll go with Joe on it. He’s been better coming off the bench for Leinster than starting, so hopefully it’ll be a late cameo and not coming on for somebody injured against a monster SA pack.
I would have picked Foley as well but McCarthy has the experience and impact off the bench against the Boks. He had a great game against them last time he played… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JyL3tIiiPk
But has he ever played at inside centre? Honestly, that is going to be a problem if he never has, especially against a team like South Africa. If doubts were raised about Kearney’s fitness, then Payne should have been full back, so that Kearney could come on later.
Played at inside centre away to Exeter Chiefs with Danie Poolman outside him. That was not a very good match though for Connacht. Not sure if he played there with Buccs or at school.
I reckon if Kearney goes off injured early in the game you may well see Payne revert to FB, with Madigan coming on to inside centre and Henshaw moving to 13.
Huge call in midfield – possibly one more geared towards RWC squad development than winning this weekend. Everyone knows what D’Arcy can do, so I’m pleased to see new combinations being tried (although against perhaps the most in-form team in the game…)
Glad to see Zebo back – his talent can’t be overlooked. Tough on Gilroy, mind you.
Jones is having a good season, but I’m surprised to see him on the bench ahead of Gilroy (especially with Payne in the team, who could cover FB).
Dave Foley is very unlucky to miss out to McCarthy – the Munster man is a more likely RWC contender and is playing great rugby.
Otherwise, Ah You will need to up his game if he is to stay ahead if Archer in the pecking order.
Pretty good side, all told!
Fair enough. As I said, I think Foley deserved it. Only meaning to point out in a game where bulk might be needed, McCarthy’s physique and style (and its past effectiveness in this fixture) is probably the reason he won out.
From anyone that’s ever played for Joe they say that thing that stands him out from the rest is his meticulous attention to detail. With that in mind I doubt very much that he hasn’t considered absolutely everything in the game before making up his mind on McCarthy over Foley and like Neil said the sheer physicality that’s likely to be a huge factor on Saturday may have been the reason. Anyway in Joe we trust and that includes the subs bench but Foley can count himself unlucky because on form it’s a straightforward decision.
If Ross or Kearney come off early it’s not going to look very well for the management. Gilroy has be excellent this season and could count himself very unlucky. Great speed and step. Reminds me so much of Shane Williams.
The only reason why Schmidt went with so many controversial sections is because he has seen something whilst they have been in camp. He has had the last two weeks to work with them and he is always someone who picks on form – see Dave Kearney, Toner and Trimble’s selection last year for proof.
In a strange way I am glad we are looking at a team with so many potential starters missing as we need to give as many players this level of test experience before the World Cup. More than ever the game is based on a squad and 15 players cannot win a competition anymore
I reckon he chose McCarthy over Foley for his bulk as Foley, O’Connell & Toner (at a stretch) all have similar frames and play a similar role in the team. He now has him in his pocket if the scrum / maul defence needs a few extra kilos. – dont actually know the players stats, just a guestimate.
Can’t agree with Foley playing the same type of game as O Connell. Foley is very aggressive especially at ruck time but is very solid in the line out. While O Connell and Toner are very technical. Maybe your right about the bulk at scrum time though as I’d imagine we will give a few kgs away.
Can’t wait for kick off.
Kearney can ( and has got caught) get caught dopey a few times when a player is running at him one on one and we all have the scars to prove it but he’s still the best fielder on a rugby ball on the planet and does make some very important tackles otherwise.
He does force teams from a kicking game which helps the defence as we can predict that they will not kick the ball away too often.
Dave Foley and Tommy O’Donnell have put in some fine performances lately, probably the 2 best forwards on the pitch vs Saracens last Friday weekk. Can’t fathom how Mike McCarthy and Rhys Ruddock are in the squad ahead of them!
First 15 selection is great and looking forward to Saturday but the bench, are we going back to Joe being a true blue debate again, Foley and O’Donnell have been immense and deserve a shot, lets hope they will get in from the start against Georgia next week.
Because we are playing South Africa a team who first and foremost aim to physically dominate their opponents. In a tiring pack come final quarter with inexperience at TH having the bulk and power of ruddock and McCarthy off bench is vital if our pack is to last 80.
Hmmm, dunno about some of those selections. Henshaw at 12 just smacks a bit of wanting to squeeze Payne in at 13. I’d have preferred to see McCloskey called up to play 12.
Felix Jones ahead of Gilroy seems slightly odd, as does McCarthy ahead of Foley. McCarthy was good against SA four years ago but…
Ah You looked way out of his depth in the loose in Argentina. I’d have felt more comfortable with Furlong on the bench
Agree with your comments.Second row is where we need more players exposed to international rugby especially with the rate of injuries and the age of O’Connell.
A new Irish midfield against probably the most physically tough midfield in international rugby, this could go very wrong if they are not on song with each other from the start of the match. I admire joe for putting his trust in the 2 lads but my word it’ll be a baptism of fire for them. Lets hope it works out well and Ireland get the win.
There are selections there that I dont agree with at all. Im hugely worried about midfield defence, but Schmidt has done more than enough to earn my trust….
Good team in general. Surprised by Kearneys inclusion as he’s a known quantity but also of questionable soundness for the game. If you were south African looking at this you would target the FB with kicks and target the two centres with both big forwards and also with wingers running inside lines.
I can only guess that he is banking on Ross giving 60 mins. Then Ah You will come in and Mc Carthy could help at scrum time with in experienced props.
That is the only logic that I can see.
Massive call by Joe in mid-field. Very exciting to see how it goes. It’s a big ask of Henshaw. I wonder if they will actually line out as the team sheet or will there be some swapping. I still don’t think Payne is the guy to wear 13 at the World Cup.
No idea why Mike (Ronaldo) Mc Carthy is in the squad. Anyone who dives and fakes being fouled isn’t fit to wear green. Foley would be a much better option.
Ruddock deserves it over Tommy but it would have been a close call.
Cronin is going to have to focus on scrum and line out. Vital that we can attack off our own set piece ball.
I wonder will we attack them with our driving line out? If that works that would be a massive statement.
Can’t wait for kick off!
When playing for Leinster towards the end of last season Mc Carthy performed one of the most pathetic dives that I have ever seen on a sports field.
He should be playing soccer not rugby for Ireland.
Residency rules are used by all Tier 1 countries, where would the AB’s be without the Islanders? It’s no point Ireland being the odd man out. It has to be the same for everybody whether we like it or not. How do you think Fiji, Samoa etc feel to see their best talent wearing the silver fern.
The vast majority of islanders that have played for the All Blacks have been in New Zealand since childhood and have gone through the underage system in that country.
They are eligible for Ireland – they are not Irish. There is a difference. Goes against the ethos of representing your country at international level. Unlike the footballers who at least have Irish descent these lads are here for economic reasons. It’s wrong that they are denying a young Irish lad (born and bred) a cap in my opinion.
I don’t think it’s right that Payne and Ah You can be parachuted into the Ireland squad after having merely lived here for a few years. If there is Irish ancestry fair enough but these lads have no link to this country at all, to be fair.
@robson I agree in a way but on further reflection it would perhaps be immoral to end a players int career if they were not liked/favoured at home. James Hart will soon be qualified for France for example…. so if JS didn’t see his merits he could justifiably get a run out for France after his immersion with BJackman at Grenoble.
Its exciting . Matiu Basterard started younger than 21 . I think Payne and Henshaw could work . Darcy is in his mid thirties and must thinking about retiring in the next year or two.. Its a tough opener for the whole team . Especially the forwards.
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It’s going to be interesting to watch this new midfield pairing. Lots of potential, but certainly thrown in at the deep end.
COME ON IRELAND!!
I dunno about everyone else, but I’m damn excited about this. Bowe is back, brand new centre partnership that, while we all questioned, Joe has seen something in… and he’s not the Irish coach by accident, he is clearly qualified and sees shit we don’t. Zebo is back in the squad off a couple of great performances, and brings that… christ, I hate this cliche… x-factor. The front-row isn’t first choice, but this is exactly how players get experience. No point easing them into the squad. It’s sink or swim. Roll on Saturday!
Absolutely. Was really worried about this game, but after reading the selection, I can’t wait for kickoff.
Nice one on the optimism Peter! I agree.
What do you think about Mc Carthy though? I happen to really rate him but can’t deny he’s not been playing well.
Probably not who I’d have chosen, for sure. But hey, in the blind optimism stakes, I’ll go with Joe on it. He’s been better coming off the bench for Leinster than starting, so hopefully it’ll be a late cameo and not coming on for somebody injured against a monster SA pack.
I would have picked Foley as well but McCarthy has the experience and impact off the bench against the Boks. He had a great game against them last time he played…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JyL3tIiiPk
He’s got the beef to do some damage against this team of heavy hitters.
Where are you watching the game?
The Lower East Stand.
Henshaw has all the attributes to be a cracking 12- just hope his lack of experience in the position isnt an issue come the game
But has he ever played at inside centre? Honestly, that is going to be a problem if he never has, especially against a team like South Africa. If doubts were raised about Kearney’s fitness, then Payne should have been full back, so that Kearney could come on later.
Played at inside centre away to Exeter Chiefs with Danie Poolman outside him. That was not a very good match though for Connacht. Not sure if he played there with Buccs or at school.
Interesting to note that last season when McSharry was injured it was Griffin who Lam moved to 12, not Henshaw..
Hope the gamble pays off by Joe
Crafty old Joe. Taking all the pressure off Henshaw’s shoulders by putting 12 on his back rather than 13!!
I’m sure they’ll play as left and right midfield.
I reckon if Kearney goes off injured early in the game you may well see Payne revert to FB, with Madigan coming on to inside centre and Henshaw moving to 13.
Huge call in midfield – possibly one more geared towards RWC squad development than winning this weekend. Everyone knows what D’Arcy can do, so I’m pleased to see new combinations being tried (although against perhaps the most in-form team in the game…)
Glad to see Zebo back – his talent can’t be overlooked. Tough on Gilroy, mind you.
Jones is having a good season, but I’m surprised to see him on the bench ahead of Gilroy (especially with Payne in the team, who could cover FB).
Dave Foley is very unlucky to miss out to McCarthy – the Munster man is a more likely RWC contender and is playing great rugby.
Otherwise, Ah You will need to up his game if he is to stay ahead if Archer in the pecking order.
Pretty good side, all told!
Have to agree with Foleys exclusion. Really surprised. He is having a cracking season so far. Kearney and Ross ? I hope they are both fully fit.
Agreed. But wasn’t McCarthy MOM last time they played SA? Big physical game might just suit him.
When was that again ? You are only as good as your last match. Don’t think he has been performing to his potential for a while now unfortunately.
Fair enough. As I said, I think Foley deserved it. Only meaning to point out in a game where bulk might be needed, McCarthy’s physique and style (and its past effectiveness in this fixture) is probably the reason he won out.
From anyone that’s ever played for Joe they say that thing that stands him out from the rest is his meticulous attention to detail. With that in mind I doubt very much that he hasn’t considered absolutely everything in the game before making up his mind on McCarthy over Foley and like Neil said the sheer physicality that’s likely to be a huge factor on Saturday may have been the reason. Anyway in Joe we trust and that includes the subs bench but Foley can count himself unlucky because on form it’s a straightforward decision.
Not sure you could say Kearney and “rock-solid tackling” in the same sentence. His one-on-one record is not good enough.
If Ross or Kearney come off early it’s not going to look very well for the management. Gilroy has be excellent this season and could count himself very unlucky. Great speed and step. Reminds me so much of Shane Williams.
The only reason why Schmidt went with so many controversial sections is because he has seen something whilst they have been in camp. He has had the last two weeks to work with them and he is always someone who picks on form – see Dave Kearney, Toner and Trimble’s selection last year for proof.
I Was in school with Robbie. Played as fullback in 5th years. Outside center in 6th
As an aside, surprised Jones on bench with Kearney, Henshaw and Payne (and even Zebo) in the starting XV. Gilroy has to feel tad unlucky
In a strange way I am glad we are looking at a team with so many potential starters missing as we need to give as many players this level of test experience before the World Cup. More than ever the game is based on a squad and 15 players cannot win a competition anymore
I reckon he chose McCarthy over Foley for his bulk as Foley, O’Connell & Toner (at a stretch) all have similar frames and play a similar role in the team. He now has him in his pocket if the scrum / maul defence needs a few extra kilos. – dont actually know the players stats, just a guestimate.
Toner…. at a stretch? ?? I see what you did there… :-D
Can’t agree with Foley playing the same type of game as O Connell. Foley is very aggressive especially at ruck time but is very solid in the line out. While O Connell and Toner are very technical. Maybe your right about the bulk at scrum time though as I’d imagine we will give a few kgs away.
Can’t wait for kick off.
Kearney can ( and has got caught) get caught dopey a few times when a player is running at him one on one and we all have the scars to prove it but he’s still the best fielder on a rugby ball on the planet and does make some very important tackles otherwise.
He does force teams from a kicking game which helps the defence as we can predict that they will not kick the ball away too often.
Dave Foley and Tommy O’Donnell have put in some fine performances lately, probably the 2 best forwards on the pitch vs Saracens last Friday weekk. Can’t fathom how Mike McCarthy and Rhys Ruddock are in the squad ahead of them!
First 15 selection is great and looking forward to Saturday but the bench, are we going back to Joe being a true blue debate again, Foley and O’Donnell have been immense and deserve a shot, lets hope they will get in from the start against Georgia next week.
Im sure they will. ..
Yawn, yawn, yawn, yawn……..
Because we are playing South Africa a team who first and foremost aim to physically dominate their opponents. In a tiring pack come final quarter with inexperience at TH having the bulk and power of ruddock and McCarthy off bench is vital if our pack is to last 80.
Horses for courses.
Furlong has to be as good as or better than Ah You.However Schmidt criticism of Ah You’s fitness after his first cap may have worked wonders.
Hmmm, dunno about some of those selections. Henshaw at 12 just smacks a bit of wanting to squeeze Payne in at 13. I’d have preferred to see McCloskey called up to play 12.
Felix Jones ahead of Gilroy seems slightly odd, as does McCarthy ahead of Foley. McCarthy was good against SA four years ago but…
Ah You looked way out of his depth in the loose in Argentina. I’d have felt more comfortable with Furlong on the bench
Agree with your comments.Second row is where we need more players exposed to international rugby especially with the rate of injuries and the age of O’Connell.
A new Irish midfield against probably the most physically tough midfield in international rugby, this could go very wrong if they are not on song with each other from the start of the match. I admire joe for putting his trust in the 2 lads but my word it’ll be a baptism of fire for them. Lets hope it works out well and Ireland get the win.
There are selections there that I dont agree with at all. Im hugely worried about midfield defence, but Schmidt has done more than enough to earn my trust….
Good team in general. Surprised by Kearneys inclusion as he’s a known quantity but also of questionable soundness for the game. If you were south African looking at this you would target the FB with kicks and target the two centres with both big forwards and also with wingers running inside lines.
How mike mccarthy can be named in the squad ahead of dave foley is baffling
I can only guess that he is banking on Ross giving 60 mins. Then Ah You will come in and Mc Carthy could help at scrum time with in experienced props.
That is the only logic that I can see.
Murray you mention Croinins lineout miscues obviously you have missed Best in the European cup.
Try and pick the positive points about the players.
More of a worry is Cronin’s throwing and the fact he spends most if the game on the wing.
This lad doesn’t not get stuck in enough. He thinks he is a back out there.
Apart from issues with throwing the rest of this post is nonsense
C O Y B I G !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Massive call by Joe in mid-field. Very exciting to see how it goes. It’s a big ask of Henshaw. I wonder if they will actually line out as the team sheet or will there be some swapping. I still don’t think Payne is the guy to wear 13 at the World Cup.
No idea why Mike (Ronaldo) Mc Carthy is in the squad. Anyone who dives and fakes being fouled isn’t fit to wear green. Foley would be a much better option.
Ruddock deserves it over Tommy but it would have been a close call.
Cronin is going to have to focus on scrum and line out. Vital that we can attack off our own set piece ball.
I wonder will we attack them with our driving line out? If that works that would be a massive statement.
Can’t wait for kick off!
When playing for Leinster towards the end of last season Mc Carthy performed one of the most pathetic dives that I have ever seen on a sports field.
He should be playing soccer not rugby for Ireland.
Residency rules are used by all Tier 1 countries, where would the AB’s be without the Islanders? It’s no point Ireland being the odd man out. It has to be the same for everybody whether we like it or not. How do you think Fiji, Samoa etc feel to see their best talent wearing the silver fern.
The vast majority of islanders that have played for the All Blacks have been in New Zealand since childhood and have gone through the underage system in that country.
They are eligible for Ireland – they are not Irish. There is a difference. Goes against the ethos of representing your country at international level. Unlike the footballers who at least have Irish descent these lads are here for economic reasons. It’s wrong that they are denying a young Irish lad (born and bred) a cap in my opinion.
I don’t think it’s right that Payne and Ah You can be parachuted into the Ireland squad after having merely lived here for a few years. If there is Irish ancestry fair enough but these lads have no link to this country at all, to be fair.
Apart from living here and playing for irish provinces. Rules are rules, it doesn’t mater one iota that you dont like them
@RobsonKeane, to be fair, we all walked up here from Africa… They’ll be every bit as proud to represent this island we call home!
@robson I agree in a way but on further reflection it would perhaps be immoral to end a players int career if they were not liked/favoured at home. James Hart will soon be qualified for France for example…. so if JS didn’t see his merits he could justifiably get a run out for France after his immersion with BJackman at Grenoble.
James Hart is already qualified for France , through his mother !!
With 3 full backs and two wingers well capable of gathering high balls… I’d say we will see plenty of “contestables”..really talented back line. ..
Its exciting . Matiu Basterard started younger than 21 . I think Payne and Henshaw could work . Darcy is in his mid thirties and must thinking about retiring in the next year or two.. Its a tough opener for the whole team . Especially the forwards.