Joe Schmidt Explains The Reasoning Behind His Ireland Selection

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Joe Schmidt has named his Ireland team for this weekend’s clash with Australia.

Michael Cheika named his side earlier today with Dean Mumm being brought into his Wallaby into his side as he hopes to deal with Ireland’s lineout threat as the All Blacks did this past weekend.

Schmidt is without the injured duo of Robbie Henshaw and Johnny Sexton but CJ Stander and Rob Kearney have been both been passed fit and will take their places in the starting line-up.

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Keith Earls starts on the wing instead of Simon Zebo while Gary Ringrose comes in to replace Robbie Henshaw.

Paddy Jackson takes Johnny Sexton’s spot at 10 while Iain Henderson has ousted Munster’s Donnacha Ryan.

At Carton House this afternoon, the Ireland boss offered the key reasons for many of his selection calls. He said:

“Iain Henderson was pretty fresh. Donnacha Ryan as played in all three Tests so far but he was a bit fatigued after the last one.”

Garry Ringrose continues at inside centre, a role he admitted on Saturday that he was unaccustomed to. Addressing his backline tweaks, Schmidt said:

“Another real learning experience for Garry and another chance to step up…

“Simon Zebo trained today but he didn’t train full-out. He’s got another 48 hours so hopefully he’l come through alright.

“Rob Kearney trained for the first time today. He’s got another 48 hours to build himself back up for this match. That’s the same with CJ Stander.”

Ireland’s hugely anticipated clash with Australia kicks-off at 5.30pm this Saturday.

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