6 Munster Players Included For Boks Clash

Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt has named his side to face South Africa in Saturday’s November Series opener and has included 6 Munster players in the matchday squad.

In the pack, Paul O’Connell will captain the national side from the second row with Peter O’Mahony starting in the back row at 6.

In the backs Conor Murray is named at scrum half with Simon Zebo starting on the left wing, while Dave Kilcoyne and Felix Jones will provide cover from the bench.

Speaking at the team announcement within the last 15 minutes, Munster’s Peter O’Mahony looked ahead to Saturday's clash.

“Every time you put on the Irish jersey you are looking for an 80 minute performance and it’s no different with South Africa. Throughout every performance in the recent Rugby Championship they we’re battling hard for the full 80 minutes. Playing for the full 80 is something we always do, but most especially against South Africa”

O’Mahony also commented on the new Irish centre partnership of Robbie Henshaw and the uncapped Jared Payne.

“I’ve played against both these guys and they’re hugely talented footballers. They rest of the extended squad have huge confidence in the lads and I’m sure they’ll do fine.”

Ireland v South Africa, Saturday 8th November 2014, 17:30, Aviva Stadium

15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 55
14. Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) 54
13. Jared Payne (Ulster) *
12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht) 3
11. Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster) 8
10. Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro) 45
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 28

8. Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster) 67
7. Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster) 16
6. Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 23
5. Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) 94 – capt
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 17
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) 41
2. Sean Cronin (St Mary's College/Leinster) 35
1. Jack McGrath (St Mary's College/Leinster) 10

Replacements

16. Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster) 4
17. Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster) 10
18. Rodney Ah You (Corinthians/Connacht) 1
19. Mike McCarthy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 15
20. Rhys Ruddock (St Mary's College/Leinster) 3
21. Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) 55
22. Ian Madigan (Blackrock/Leinster) 10
23. Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster) 6

*Denotes uncapped player