Joe Schmidt has named the Ireland XV and bench for Saturday's final November test match against the Wallabies but doubts still surround Rob Kearney, CJ Stander and Simon Zebo.
Kearney and Stander underwent head injury assessments during last Saturday’s 21-9 defeat to New Zealand. Both have progressed along concussion’s return to play protocols. This is day five of a six day process.
“Rob trained for the first time today, we just trained him away quietly as that’s how you progress him back he’s still got another 48 hours to build himself into this weekend’s match, same as CJ,” said Schmidt.
Ultan Dillane returns to the bench while Iain Henderson starts in the second row alongside Devin Toner.
“Donnacha Ryan has put in a huge shift, he’s played in all three games so far. He was pretty fatigued after the most recent test.
"Garry Ringrose gets to play inside Jared Payne, another real learning experience, another experience to step up against Reece Hodge and Tevita Kuridrani. Very big men, that's a massive ask for him.
"With Keith Earls (starting at left wing with Zebo benched) - Simon Zebo was very sore after the game so he has taken two, three days. He trained today but probably didn't train flat out. He's still got another 48 hours to recover and we hope he will be 100 percent by Saturday.
“With that little bit of lingering doubt Keith Earls brings a freshness to the group. And vitality. Also Keith is roundly experienced and gives up midfield cover.”
Rory Best captains the side again on his 100 cap.
“Gonna be a special day for him,” said a happy looking Sean O’Brien.
“He’s one of those fellas who is always thinking about the bigger picture. Suppose he has always looked after the younger guys when they come in, myself included.
“Phenomenal player and leader, someone you look to when we are under pressure.”
O’Brien motivated his teammates, coaches and supporters by claiming last week’s astonishing 80 minute shift against New Zealand - despite only recently returning from an eight month lay off - was some way off his best.
“Think I’m a bit off still, lot of improvement in different area. That’s why I’m looking forward to this week.”
Ireland: Rob Kearney; Andrew Trimble, Jared Payne, Garry Ringrose, Keith Earls; Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rory Best (capt), Tadhg Furlong; Iain Henderson, Devin Toner; CJ Stander, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip. Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier, Kieran Marmion, Joey Carbery, Simon Zebo.
