Ireland rings four changes, with Caelan Doris to captain squad against Springboks
While hooker Dan Sheehan and scrumhalf Craig Casey's omissions were expected due to injuries sustained in the Loftus test, coach Andy Farrell sprung a surprise as he benched O'Mahony and star centre Bundee Aki.
Ireland's number eight Caelan Doris and Ireland's lock Iain Henderson celebrate the victory after the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on 23 September 2023. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Ireland has made four changes to their starting lineup to play the Springboks on Saturday.
The most notable of those will see Caelan Doris lead the team at Kings Park after regular captain Peter O'Mahony was named on the bench.
While hooker Dan Sheehan and scrumhalf Craig Casey's omissions were expected due to injuries sustained in the Loftus test, coach Andy Farrell sprung a surprise as he benched O'Mahony and star centre Bundee Aki.
Farrell revealed Aki was dealing with a shoulder problem and didn’t think he could put him through 80 minutes in such a crucial game, while O'Mahony has fallen out of favour with Taigh Beirne preferred in his place.
Doris will be captain of the side for the 2nd time in his career, and Farrell says he has the quality to be exceptional in the role
“First of all, he leads from the front. He’s in outstanding form, his performance last week, never mind the leadership or captaincy bit. When you’re the best version of yourself, that’s the best form of leadership. But also, he’s a calming influence, he’s bright and the questions he’s going to the referees with are the right ones”
Meanwhile, wings James Lowe, Calvin Nash and fullback Jamie Osborne have recovered from their injuries to keep their places in the starting XV.