Sheehan on bench as Ireland name team for Springboks

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland Match Day Squad for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup showdown against South Africa at the Stade de France.

Following successful victories over Romania and Tonga in their opening matches, Ireland now gear up for a challenging clash in Pool B with the reigning champions, under the lights in Paris.

Bundee Aki is set to win his 50th Test cap for Ireland as he partners Garry Ringrose in midfield for the third consecutive match. Aki made his Ireland debut against South Africa in November 2017.

In the back three Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe continue, with captain Jonathan Sexton and Jamison Gibson-Park named at out-half and scrum-half respectively.

The pack is unchanged from last weekend, with Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong in the front row and Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan in the second row. Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris are the loose forward combination.

Fit again Dan Sheehan returns on the bench alongside forwards David Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson and Ryan Baird, while Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Robbie Henshaw are cover for the backs.

IRELAND TEAM TO FACE SOUTH AFRICA ON SATURDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER

15. Hugo Keenan

14. Mack Hansen

13. Garry Ringrose

12. Bundee Aki

11. James Lowe

10. Johnny Sexton

9. Jamison Gibson-Park

1. Andrew Porter

2. Ronan Kelleher

3. Tadhg Furlong

4. Tadhg Beirne

5. James Ryan

6. Peter O’Mahony

7. Josh van der Flier

8. Caelan Doris

Replacements:

16. Dan Sheehan

17. David Kilcoyne

18. Finlay Bealham

19. Iain Henderson

20. Ryan Baird

21. Conor Murray

22. Jack Crowley

23. Robbie Henshaw