Kidney wheels out big guns for Boks test
Declan Kidney has named his strongest possible side for Saturday’s eagerly anticipated test with South Africa at the Aviva Stadium (kick off 5:30pm).
Luke Fitzgerald makes his first start for Ireland in a year having injured his knee against Australia almost 12 months ago.
He forms a back three partnership with Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney- the same trio that faced the Boks in the Lions test series in 2009.
Jonathan Sexton and Eoin Reddan have been given the nod to start at half-back while Ronan O’Gara and Peter Stringer provide an experienced option from the bench.
Brian O’Driscoll captains the side from outside centre alongside Gordan D’Arcy. Keith Earls takes his place amongst the replacements, but is sure to see some action this weekend.
Tony Buckley is named at tight-head prop and will link up with the experienced Ulster hooker Rory Best and Leinter’s Cian Healy in the front row.
Kidney has opted for experience in the engine room choosing Munster veteran Mick O’Driscoll to partner Donncha O’Callaghan while fellow Reds lock Donnacha Ryan waits in reserve.
Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace and Stephen Ferris resume their formidable partnership in the backrow where Sean O’Brien, who has been in superb form for Leinster this season, misses out on a place in the squad altogether.
South Africa coah Peter De Villiess is due to name his side on Thursday afternoon.
15 Robert Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Mick O'Driscoll, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Tony Buckley, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Keith Earls.
