LAST UPDATE | 2 Nov 2022
IRELAND ARE SET to give Ulster wing Robert Baloucoune a big start in their number 14 shirt against South Africa this Saturday.
The 25-year-old has played for Ireland twice so far against the US and Argentina, but this weekend’s clash would be the biggest start of his career. The pacy Enniskillen man scored for Ireland on his debut in 2021 and has been in superb form for Ulster in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, Ireland boss Andy Farrell could start Conor Murray at scrum-half, with Jamison Gibson-Park possibly making his return from injury on the bench.
Gibson-Park has not played since Ireland’s summer series win over New Zealand back in July but it seems he has overcome his hamstring injury and is in line to be involved for Ireland on Saturday as long as he comes through their final sessions of the week.
However, Farrell may opt to use him off the bench in his first game for nearly four months. That would mean Conor Murray earning his 100th Ireland cap in the starting number nine shirt.
Farrell also has that big decision to confirm in his back three with James Lowe missing out through injury. With Baloucoune set to come in on the right wing, Connacht’s Mack Hansen is likely to move over to the number 11 shirt in place of Lowe.
Fullback Hugo Keenan is another man who hasn’t played since the New Zealand tour due to knee and abdominal issues but he could be retained in the starting team if he comes through Ireland’s last training session without any setbacks.
Keenan has become a crucial player for Ireland and his low error count, aerial skills, work-rate, attacking threat, and positional solidity would be important against the Springboks even if he is short on match sharpness. A back three of Hansen, Keenan, and Baloucoune would leave Ireland without a left-footed kicking option.
Farrell is expected to retain the front row of Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong, while Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan are set to team up in the second row.
Ireland could go with the same back row of Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, and Caelan Doris that started all three Tests in New Zealand.
Johnny Sexton will captain the side from out-half, while Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose are expected to team up in midfield. It remains to be seen if Farrell opts for a 6/2 split of forwards and backs on the bench or instead includes Stuart McCloskey in the number 23 shirt.
Farrell will announce his matchday 23 tomorrow.
Possible Ireland team (v South Africa):
- 15. Hugo Keenan
- 14. Robert Baloucoune
- 13. Garry Ringrose
- 12. Robbie Henshaw
- 11. Mack Hansen
- 10. Johnny Sexton (captain)
- 9. Conor Murray
- 1. Andrew Porter
- 2. Dan Sheehan
- 3. Tadhg Furlong
- 4. Tadhg Beirne
- 5. James Ryan
- 6. Peter O’Mahony
- 7. Josh van der Flier
- 8. Caelan Doris
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Surely we sneak Dave Kearney in for the physical battle, boks won’t know what hit em
@Bruce Lee: no need to an A…..E
It’s a great November series coming our way as we have both the senior team and Ireland A up against top class opposition. Hats off to a very shrewd move by AF and the IRFU to maximise these sort of opportunities with the WC just around the corner. Whichever squad the players are in, they are getting drilled in the same way which gives us a better chance come the WC.
Not Murray
@Gary Galligan: POM at 6 and Murray at 9. We are done
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: Your glass half full man I see.
Pom was crap against nz in fairness.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: correct on murray…nonsense on POM
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: did you ever consider getting a friend, or a pen pal or a rubber doll? Anything to soothe your aching head???
@Paddy Waggon: I thinks he’s more of an empty glass and it has a chip in it kind of guy.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: whatever about the merits of Murray POM has been outstanding for Ireland in recent tests.
Ah this is going to be epic… Very exited to see these two going at it…. Been waiting ages for this… And the hype is building………… Can’t wait
@Stuart Collins: Its also going to be bucketing down and windy,how are yer lads under the high ball?
@rugbyanbeer: if kolbe can catch the ball I’d say he’ll do ok….
@rugbyanbeer: If Ireland kick the high ball to Colbe and Arendse that’s as good as a turnover or points. Hopefully this Ireland team will have something other kicking option in their locker.
Annoying that Gavin Coombes is playing for Ireland A.
I would have Doris at 6, Van Der Flier at 7 and Coombes at 8, just to shore up that backrow physiicality. O’Mahony doesn’t cut it at 6 for me anymore.
@Criiochúr Daniel Daithí O’Chathail: agreed VDF (originally from Joburg), Doris, Coombes are the best back row options… Think that tight 5 are really going to struggle against the boks…
@Stuart Collins: From Joburg? What??
@Gary Donlan: we’ve claimed him…
@Stuart Collins: Dutch heritage I’m afraid, my friend.. Nice try though. Any team would have him
@Gary Donlan: he’s a magic player… Just an outstanding flanker…love watching him….
@Stuart Collins: His Dad is Dutch, you’re talking double Dutch
It’s time for Murray to move off into the sunset, great servant to Ireland but he offers nothing other than box kicks anymore sadly!
@J-rock: and slooooow ones at that!
@J-rock: 100% – if we’re takimg the great servant argument then we might as well get Stringer in – would at least offer quick ball!
Not Murray surely! He’s not even in the top 5 this year. Even Luke McGrath would be significantly better.
Lots of anti Murray comments here from the “brave” keyboard warriors. Murray, a few years ago, considered the finest no. 9 in the World, still has much to give. His physicality will be well needed for this game.
@Jack Hackett: Hasn’t played well for Ireland since the Grand Slam in 2018. Time to move on from box kicks and slow passing.
@Paddy Kennedy: While he is not the player he was, and I would have selected Casey just to see if he was up to it. I’d argue Murray has played well for Ireland when called upon in the Farrell era, and he was extremely good in his last big start for Ireland against England in the 6 Nations before last. Demonstrating an ability to step in pretty seamlessly.
@Jack Hackett: murray at his best was arguably the top 9 in the world but his best is behind him. even how munster are trying to play will be more suited to casey and patterson. for all that, i can maybe see some logic for the SA game…re his defensive capabilities, his temperament etc., BUT why would you view this as anything other than building to the RWC? So there cant be a huge arguement to start him. Hope his gets some of his attacking mojo back and proves us wrong but i think time waits for no man. as an aside, sports shouldnt do sentiment but would be good to see him hit 100 irish caps…on balance his performances in green deserves it.
Possible mac to 15, Mccloskey 12, henshaw 13, ringrose balacoune wings
@whoowhat?: beirne 6 also I may think.
@whoowhat?: Would an excellent 6 but with Henderson out he’s most likely to start at lock as he’s got more international experience there than anyone else available.
Would have loved to see lowry and casey get starts we already know what Keenan and Murray bring at this level
@Gareth Wogan: does Murray bring anything at this level anymore?
@JPM: hard to argue with you on that one
If he plays Murray Ireland are pretty much guaranteed to lose…
Ringrose cover for 10?
@ConPhoto: thats a miss
@ConPhoto: think there could have been the argument to start Lowry at FB, rather than Keenan who we know what he can do, and hasn’t played this season yet. Lowry would also be the OH cover.
@Kingshu: While I don’t agree with it. Joey will be on the bench.
Ireland will have a real spring in their step if they can win this one.
Ís Aki injured or suspended ?
@Matt Rogers: suspended
@Mike Magan: as he should be