JOE SCHMIDT HAS named Paddy Jackson at out-half for Ireland’s first November test against Samoa on Saturday in Dublin, while Jack McGrath is set for his debut at loosehead prop.
Ulster playmaker Jackson has been given the nod ahead of Ian Madigan as first-choice 10 Jonny Sexton continues to be held back by a hip injury picked up in training last week. The Racing Metro man is not included in the match-day squad, while Paul O’Connell has been picked on the bench.
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Elsewhere, Fergus McFadden takes his place on the left wing as expected, with Keith Earls missing due to a knee problem. In the second row, Mike McCarthy is partnered by his provincial teammate Devin Toner.
Gordon D’Arcy’s experience means he gets the nod at inside centre ahead of Ulster man Luke Marshall, who performed well in green last season but hasn’t hit those heights yet in this campaign for his province. His time will come, but for now Schmidt has gone with D’Arcy’s tried and trusted know-how in midfield.
Brian O’Driscoll is in harness with his long-time centre partner and that pairing will look to open up the powerful Samoan defence on Saturday. The back row looks a real strength too for Ireland, with Heaslip lining up in between Peter O’Mahony and Chris Henry. Sean O’Brien is primed to be sprung from the bench.
In the front row, Rory Best and Mike Ross are joined by the uncapped Leinster man McGrath to form a formidable trio but they will have their work cut out against the mass and power of the Samoan tight five. The scrum battle should be an intriguing one, with the technical excellence of Ireland’s front row up against the brawn of Samoa’s.
Rob Kearney and Tommy Bowe complete the starting XV, hoping to offer Ireland a counter-attacking edge if Samoa kick poorly. Both players look set for strong international campaigns.
On the bench, the likes of Ian Madigan, Sean Cronin and Cian Healy offer real impact in the second half, while Eoin Reddan and Paul O’Connell provide experience in reserve. Dave Kearney could make his international debut as a substitute.
Ireland (v Samoa): Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy, Fergus McFadden; Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Mike Ross; Mike McCarthy, Devin Toner; Peter O’Mahony, Chris Henry, Jamie Heaslip (c).
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Declan Fitzpatrick, Paul O’Connell, Sean O’Brien, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Dave Kearney.
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Schmidt goes for Jackson at 10, McGrath to make debut
JOE SCHMIDT HAS named Paddy Jackson at out-half for Ireland’s first November test against Samoa on Saturday in Dublin, while Jack McGrath is set for his debut at loosehead prop.
Jamie Heaslip has been selected as captain of the side; but Paul O’Connell will lead the side long-term, says Schmidt.
Ulster playmaker Jackson has been given the nod ahead of Ian Madigan as first-choice 10 Jonny Sexton continues to be held back by a hip injury picked up in training last week. The Racing Metro man is not included in the match-day squad, while Paul O’Connell has been picked on the bench.
Elsewhere, Fergus McFadden takes his place on the left wing as expected, with Keith Earls missing due to a knee problem. In the second row, Mike McCarthy is partnered by his provincial teammate Devin Toner.
Gordon D’Arcy’s experience means he gets the nod at inside centre ahead of Ulster man Luke Marshall, who performed well in green last season but hasn’t hit those heights yet in this campaign for his province. His time will come, but for now Schmidt has gone with D’Arcy’s tried and trusted know-how in midfield.
Brian O’Driscoll is in harness with his long-time centre partner and that pairing will look to open up the powerful Samoan defence on Saturday. The back row looks a real strength too for Ireland, with Heaslip lining up in between Peter O’Mahony and Chris Henry. Sean O’Brien is primed to be sprung from the bench.
In the front row, Rory Best and Mike Ross are joined by the uncapped Leinster man McGrath to form a formidable trio but they will have their work cut out against the mass and power of the Samoan tight five. The scrum battle should be an intriguing one, with the technical excellence of Ireland’s front row up against the brawn of Samoa’s.
Rob Kearney and Tommy Bowe complete the starting XV, hoping to offer Ireland a counter-attacking edge if Samoa kick poorly. Both players look set for strong international campaigns.
On the bench, the likes of Ian Madigan, Sean Cronin and Cian Healy offer real impact in the second half, while Eoin Reddan and Paul O’Connell provide experience in reserve. Dave Kearney could make his international debut as a substitute.
Like rugby? Follow TheScore.ie’s dedicated Twitter account @rugby_ie >
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Ireland Jamie Heaslip Joe Schmidt November Tests Paddy Jackson Samoa Team news