Ireland will take on South Africa in two hours, and here's the lineup selected by Andy Farrell.
Leinster's young star Jamie Osborne starts at fullback, making his first start for Ireland in Pretoria. Leinster's Jimmy O'Brien has missed out. but 22-year-old Osborne will be in a back three with Calvin Nash and James Lowe.
Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw start in the centre, with the backline completed by the Munster duo of Jack Crowley and Craig Casey.
The Leinster and Ireland front row trio of Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong get the nod from Farrell. Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne start as cover. The side is then completed by Peter O'Mahony (captain), Josh van der Flier, and Caelan Doris in the back row.
Farrell has strong options on the bench, with Rónan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, and Ryan Baird providing forward reinforcements. Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley, and Garry Ringrose complete the Ireland matchday 23.
A Test debut in green awaits! ☘️
Congratulations, Jamie! #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/Y0m5ILAHe9
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 4, 2024
Farrell spoke on Friday about his decision to start Osborne: "When Jamie’s been in the squad on numerous occasions, he’s always filled in for us in all sorts of different positions, certainly at full-back as well as centre," Farrell told reporters in Johannesburg after naming his team on Thursday. "Anyone who knows Jamie as a rugby player and his background as a junior coming through knows that a lot of it’s been in the 15 jersey."
Saturday’s match is live on Sky Sports Arena, and live radio commentary is available on RTÉ Radio 1.
Ireland: Jamie Osborne; Calvin Nash; Robbie Henshaw; Bundee Aki; James Lowe; Jack Crowley; Craig Casey; Andrew Porter; Dan Sheehan; Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy; Tadhg Beirne; Peter O'Mahony (captain); Josh van der Flier; Caelan Doris.
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Conor Murray, Ciarán Frawley, and Garry Ringrose.
