JACK CONAN WILL make his Ireland debut in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up clash against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium (KO 17.00).
Conan played for the Ireland Wolfhounds in January. Source: Inpho/Billy Stickland
The 23-year-old Leinster back row has been selected at blindside flanker for his first senior international cap, with his provincial teammate Sean O’Brien at number eight and Ulster’s Chris Henry in the seven shirt.
In a side that shows wholesale changes from last weekend’s win over Wales, Schmidt has picked Ian Madigan in the 10 shirt, while veteran centre Gordon D’Arcy gets a starting chance alongside Jared Payne in midfield.
The back three sees Simon Zebo in the 15 shirt, with Luke Fitzgerald and Tommy Bowe providing an experienced wing pairing.
Mike Ross continues at tighthead prop, with Dave Kilcoyne and Sean Cronin in the front row, while Devin Toner and Dan Tuohy form the locking partnership. Isaac Boss completes the team at scrum-half.
Ian Madigan (left) is at out-half for Schmidt’s Ireland. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
Paul O’Connell is set for his first outing of the season from the bench, while Connacht’s Nathan White – not originally named in Ireland’s extended World Cup training squad – is also among the replacements.
Ireland (v Scotland):
15. Simon Zebo
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Jared Payne
12. Gordon D’Arcy
11. Luke Fitzgerald
10. Ian Madigan
9. Isaac Boss
1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Sean Cronin
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Dan Tuohy
6. Jack Conan
7. Chris Henry
8. Sean O’Brien (captain)
Replacements:
16. Richardt Strauss
17. Michael Bent
18. Nathan White
19. Paul O’Connell
20. Jordi Murphy
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Paddy Jackson
23. Dave Kearney
– This piece was updated at 13.54 to remove mention of Rory Best being in the side.
This Scotland XV could give Schmidt’s Ireland a better game than Wales didKane Douglas back in the mix as Australia name side for All Blacks decider