Cape Town - Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has put his trust in youngster Paddy Jackson to fill the boots of Johnny Sexton at flyhalf for Saturday’s first Test against the Springboks at Newlands.
Sexton was ruled out for three months with a shoulder injury days before the Irish team flew to South Africa, which saw Ian Madigan called up to the squad.
But it will be Jackson who was named as chief playmaker for the Irish on Thursday by Schmidt, while they are missing a number of other stalwarts such as fullback Rob Kearney and flank Sean O’Brien.
Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss’ cousin Richardt missed out on a place on the Irish bench, with Ireland captain Rory Best also a hooker, and Sean Cronin his back-up.
The only SA-born player in the match-23 is flank CJ Stander, with lock Quinn Roux also being left out.
Ireland Team
15 Jared Payne, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Luke Marshall, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Jordi Murphy, 6 CJ Stander, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Iain Henderson, 3 Mike Ross, Rory Best (captain), 1 Jack McGrath.
Bench: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Finlay Bealham, 18 Tadgh Furlong, 19 Ultan Dillane, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Craig Gilroy.