
Football
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
Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
Some huge clashes! The ultimate TV guide for live weekend sport in Ireland is back! It’s another huge week in the Premier League with Arsenal hosting Newcastle, there are a host of massive inter-county championship matches in both hurling and Gaelic football, and there is an intriguing Irish derby in the URC to look forward […]
Football
10h
Huge changes in store as Lions launch bid to tour new countries
This could be massive! The Lions could soon be adding a new country to their list of touring destinations, according to an exclusive report from The Telegraph. The iconic representative team – which combines the best players from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales – currently tour South Africa, Australia and New Zealand on a rotating […]
Football
15h
Football
Munster statement defends new coach over historical rape accusations
Football