
Rugby
Share
Published 16:08 23 Nov 2016 GMT
Updated 16:40 23 Nov 2016 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
In the second row, Devin Toner and Donnacha Ryan have formed a reliable partnership. They were not as effective in the second Test against the All Blacks but this coincided with the return of Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick. We don't expect Schmidt to break up this duo.
Jamie Heaslip, who seems to be getting better with age and Sean O'Brien, who made 20 carries against the All Blacks and came so close to scoring two tries, are nailed on to start.
The No. 6 shirt will go to CJ Stander, whose game on Saturday was cut cruelly short with concussion just as he was making his mark on the match with some excellent carries. This is dependent on whether he successfully completes his return-to-play protocols.
Conor Murray at scrum half. No-brainer.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/795065902496628736
With Sexton's hamstring injury ruling him out of this weekend's clash, we predict that Paddy Jackson will occupy the No. 10 shirt with Joey Carbery to continue his fledgling international career with an appearance from the bench.
The wing spots ought to be occupied by Andrew Trimble and Simon Zebo, the latter having taken part in modified training this week but is expected to be fully fit by the weekend.
Arguably the most contentious decision of the weekend will be he make-up of the midfield. Robbie Henshaw has been ruled out due to the concussion suffered at the hands of Sam Cane, who outrageously did not receive any form of retrospective punishment.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/801213696169168900
Schmidt is a fan of Luke Marshall. He started in the 12 channel last week against Canada and also played in two of the three Tests against South Africa during the summer. His familiarity with his provincial colleague Jared Payne adds to the probability that this will be the midfield partnership for Saturday.
We realise that Garry Ringrose is due a Test start against decent opposition and that he put in an excellent performance when he came on for Henshaw at the weekend. However, Schmidt tends to be conservative when it comes to his starting XV and we expect Marshall to get the nod here.
Finally Rob Kearney has done nothing in his two performances against the All Blacks that would make Schmidt consider someone else in this position.
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Josh van der Flier, Kieran Marmion, Joey Carbery, Garry Ringrose
Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live
Angry Leinster fans lay blame on club and IRFU for controversial James Lowe exit
A sad day. Earlier today it was confirmed that Leinster winger, James Lowe, will be leaving Irish rugby at the end of his contract this summer. The 33-year-old has been linked with a move to Japanese club, Tokto Suntory Songoliath. It has been reported that Lowe is unhappy with how things ended with Leinster and […]
Rugby
4 days ago
James Lowe shares emotional statement after shock Japan move
This comes as a shock! According to the 42.ie, Leinster and Ireland winger, James Lowe, is set to join Japanese club, Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath. Lowe’s contract expires at the end of the season with Leinster, and after a breakdown of negotiations he will leave Irish rugby. The 33-year-old will sign a two-year deal with the […]
Rugby
4 days ago
Jacques Nienaber’s Leinster future in doubt after confession in blunt interview
Rugby