Conor Murray set for milestone as Ireland unveil matchday squad for match against South Africa
Conor Murray will start at scrum-half on what will be his 100th Test
©PA
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has unveiled the matchday squad for the upcoming autumn international clash against South Africa.
Conor Murray starts at scrum-half over Jamison Gibson-Park on what will be his 100th Test as he renews his partnership with Johnny Sexton, who is set to become Ireland's fifth most-capped player surpassing Paul O’Connell.
Robert Baloucoune will make his third appearance after featuring for Emerging Ireland recently starting at right wing with Mack Hansen at left and Hugo Keenan at fullback.
Bundee Aki's suspension meant Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw form midfield partnership while the back row is unchanged from the win over New Zealand with Caelan Doris joining Josh van der Flier and Peter O'Mahony.
Injury to Ronan Kelleher meant, Leinster trio Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong form the front row with James Ryan and Tadgh Beirne being the preferred locks for the game.
“The lessons learned are going to be vast for both sides, win or lose. I suppose the team that loses will learn a little bit more and know which direction they want to go, not just game plan-wise but player-wise," said Farrell.
"That’s why I think this is priceless for both teams as a match-up. It’s exciting for what’s down the line but in the here and now it is good as well.”
Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Johnny Sexton (c), 9 Conor Murray, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 James Ryan, 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Reserves: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Joey Carbery, 23 Stuart McCloskey
