Joe Schmidt has named his starting XV for Saturday’s clash with South Africa

Bundee Aki starts the game, with Darren Sweetnam in line for his first cap off the bench.

Bundee Aki is set to make his Irish debut on Saturday after being named at inside centre for his side’s first Autumn international against South Africa at the Aviva.

Aki, who qualifies via the residency rule having lived here for three years now, will be partnered by Robbie Henshaw at outside centre, renewing their old Connacht pairing.

Jacob Stockdale is in line for his first home cap as he starts on the left wing with Munster’s Andrew Conway named on the right due to a knock Keith Earls picked up in training that could rule him out for the whole  November series.

“Keith Earls is a doubt for the series at this stage,” said Schmidt.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Andrew Conway and Darren Sweenam.”

The British and Irish Lions partnership of Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton will make up the half backs, with the returning Rob Kearney named at full back.

Cian Healy has been named to start at loosehead, with Leinster team mate Jack McGrath ruled out through a hip injury

As expected, Rory Best will captain the side at hooker with Tadhg Furlong named at tighthead. Iain Henderson and Devin Toner make up the second row, with Peter O’Mahony and Sean O’Brien packing down either side of CJ Stander in the back row.

Joey Carbery and Kieran Marmion provide back-up from the replacements bench, as does Darren Sweetnam, the Munster wing set to earn his first cap also.

Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, James Ryan and Rhys Ruddock are the forwards replacements.

Ireland: Rob Kearney, Andrew Conway, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Devin Toner, Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, James Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Kieran Marmion, Joey Carbery, Darren Sweetnam.

Social Sharing

Posted in

Munster exit URC with Glasgow defeat at Thomond Park | HIGHLIGHTS

Munster gained their first try after RG Snyman set up an attack, passing to Jeremy Loughman who stormed ...
Read More

Munster Rugby issue squad update

Along with the 23 players who featured against Ospreys at Thomond Park on Friday night, there were 17 ...
Read More

Munster through to URC semi-final with Ospreys victory | HIGHLIGHTS

The hosts saw out the remainder of the game to secure a semi-final, fixed for next Saturday at ...
Read More

Munster all set for Ospreys clash | TEAM NEWS

Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer pack down in the front row with RG Snyman and captain ...
Read More

Munster Rugby issue squad update

Tom Ahern suffered an ankle/lower leg injury against Ulster and has undergone a scan, he is unavailable for ...
Read More

Munster top URC with bonus-point Ulster win | HIGHLIGHTS

The bonus-point win sees Munster secure first seed and Rowntree’s side will now take on Ospreys at Thomond ...
Read More

Munster name team to face Ulster | TEAM NEWS

Kendellen, Ahern and Coombes are set to continue their record of playing in every URC and Champions Cup ...
Read More

Munster Rugby issue squad update ahead of Ulster clash

Munster have won 12 of their 17 games so far, drawing one and losing four to sit top ...
Read More