Fullback.

Ireland boss Andy Farrell is set to spring a major backline surprise when he names his team to take on the Springboks in their series opener on Saturday.

Farrell has several key decisions to make ahead of the hugely anticipated clash with his selection at fullback among them with Hugo Keenan absent while on Olympics duty with the Ireland 7s.

Ciaran Frawley and Jimmy O’Brien are obvious choices for many, but Murray Kinsella is reporting from South Africa that Farrell is set to go with the uncapped Jamie Osborne at 15 this weekend.

Osborne has played plenty of minutes for Leinster this season, but primarily in the centre in Garry Ringrose’s absence. He has however previously shone there for Ireland at 20s level.

Another big decision Farrell has to make is at nine with Jamison Gibson-Park injured. Craig Casey looks set to get the nod here ahead of Munster teammate Conor Murray.