Craig Casey is winning the scrumhalf race as coach Andy Farrell reportedly mulls a key selection for the clash between Ireland and the Springboks in Pretoria on Saturday.
According to the Irish Independent, Farrell is set to name Casey at No 9 for Ireland’s first of two Tests against the world champions in the Republic. With Jamison Gibson-Park injured, Casey is favoured over veteran Conor Murray.
It is understood that Farrell might debut 22-year-old Jamie Osborne at fullback, despite competition from Jimmy O’Brien, Ciaran Frawley, Jordan Larmour and Jacob Stockdale.
The versatile Osborne has impressed for Leinster and could be a bold choice against the tactical Bok kickers.
WATCH: England can blunt Razor’s debut
Calvin Nash and James Lowe are expected to retain their positions on the wings, while Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw are likely to start in the midfield.
The front row should feature Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong, with Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy in the second row, and Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, and Caelan Doris in the back row.
Farrell’s bench selections, especially the forward and back split, remain crucial and will be revealed in the official team announcement on Thursday.
Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images
The post Ireland to spring surprise on Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
