Jack Conan will make his Ireland debut against Scotland at the Aviva stadium on Saturday but that doesn't guarantee the Leinster backrow a place in Joe Schmidt's 31 man World Cup squad.
But it’s a big chance for the 23 year old, normally a number eight but named at blindside flanker due to the presence of a new Ireland captain Sean O’Brien.
Educated at St Gerard’s School in Bray, Conan muscled his way past Munster’s Robin Copeland among others this season.
“Jack impressed on the Emerging (Ireland) tour and we wanted to reward those performances,” said Schmidt
Concerns about Cian Healy’s chances of returning ahead of the World Cup are now being rated at 70-30 percent against. Healy underwent surgery on a prolapsed disc in his neck last May but the recovery process has been hindered by the lack of mobility in his right hand.
He took some part in training today and Schmidt has stated the 27 year old will be given until the tournament opener against Canada on September 19th to regain match fitness.
Ian Madigan starts at outhalf while Gordon D’Arcy gets his opportunity following Darren Cave’s run at inside centre in Cardiff last weekend.
Simon Zebo can show his versatility, wearing 15, in a back three that includes 2009 Grand Slam wingers Tommy Bowe and Luke Fitzgerald (both also started the first Lions test that summer in South Africa).
Schmidt said Andrew Trimble’s second foot scan was “relatively positive” but he won’t be running until next week and it’s the same problem that ruled him out last season. “We hope he will be fully fit for Wales (by) starting training Monday week. It’s still not great having ten days to fight his way back. It’s not ideal for him, particularly after a long absence.”
Still no Johnny Sexton or Conor Murray but Paul O’Connell comes onto the bench along with uncapped Kiwi prop Nathan White. The 33 year old,now with Connacht but formerly of Leinster, was front of the tighthead queue until rupturing a tendon in his arm last October while training with Ireland in Carton House.
Following surgery, Marty Moore was not considered fit enough but is expected to play for Leinster against Ulster next week. Tadhg Furlong and Noel Reid have also returned to the province.
Scotland coach Vern Cotter also named an uncapped backrow, Hugh Blake, and reserved prop, Mike Cusack.
IRELAND: Simon Zebo; Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Gordon D'Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald; Ian Madigan, Isaac Boss; Dave Kilcoyne, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross; Dan Tuohy, Devin Toner; Jack Conan, Chris Henry, Sean O'Brien (capt).
Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Michael Bent, Nathan White, Paul O'Connell, Jordi Murphy, Eoin Reddan, Paddy Jackson, David Kearney.
SCOTLAND: Ruaridh Jackson; Sean Lamont, Richie Vernon, Peter Horne, Tim Visser; Greig Tonks, Henry Pygros (capt); Ryan Grant, Fraser Brown, Jon Welsh; Jim Hamilton, Grant Gilchrist; Blair Cowan, Hugh Blake, David Denton.
Replacements: Ross Ford, Gordon Reid, Mike Cusack, Rob Harley, John Barclay, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Duncan Weir, Matt Scott.
