Schmidt names Ireland side to play South Africa

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has named a team with a number of interesting changes for this weekend’s Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.

Johnny Sexton’s injury sees Paddy Jackson come into the starting line up where he will partner with Conor Murray.

At inside centre Luke Marshall gets his first start in the Ireland jersey for two years and partners Robbie Henshaw who starts at outside-centre.

With Rob Kearney and Simon Zebo both being out injured Schmidt has chosen to move Jared Payne to fullback for the first time wityh Andrew Trimble and Keith Earls on the wings.

Payne has won all 14 of his caps at outside centre but has featured in the 15 jersey this season for Ulster.

In another surprise move Schmidt has named Jordi Murphy – who was overlooked in the Six Nations – in the number 7 jersey.

Rory Best captains the side and is joined in the front row by Jack McGrath and Mike Ross.

Devin Toner and Iain Henderson pack down in the second row with Jordi Murphy named at openside, CJ Stander at blindside flank and Jamie Heaslip at No.8.

The replacements named are Sean Cronin, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Ultan Dillane, Rhys Ruddock, Kieran Marmion, Ian Madigan and Craig Gilroy.

Ireland

15. Jared Payne , 14. Andrew Trimble , 13. Robbie Henshaw , 12. Luke Marshall , 11. Keith Earls , 10. Paddy Jackson , 9. Conor Murray , 8. Jamie Heaslip , 7. Jordi Murphy, 6. CJ Stander , 5. Devin Toner , 4. Iain Henderson, 3. Mike Ross, 2. Rory Best (c), 1. Jack McGrath

Replacements : 16. Sean Cronin , 17. Finlay Bealham , 18. Tadhg Furlong , 19. Ultan Dillane , 20. Rhys Ruddock , 21. Kieran Marmion , 22. Ian Madigan , 23. Craig Gilroy