The Leaked Ireland Team To Play Wales Will Shock A Few People
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South African-born CJ Stander is in line to be named in the Ireland starting XV when Joe Schmidt names his side to take on Wales on Sunday.
The Ireland boss will confirm his team at lunchtime on Friday and according, to both the Irish Times and the Irish Independent, all signs point to a significant amount of change in the Irish pack.
Leinster duo Rob Kearney and Sean O’Brien look set to miss out through injury, forcing Schmidt to reshuffle. Many will still be hoping Jared Payne will start at fullback with McCloskey partnering Henshaw in the centre but it seems Schmidt will go with his usual centre duo with Zebo getting the nod at fullback.
Schmidt officially names his team at 1pm.
Likely Irish starting XV to face Wales:
Backs: Simon Zebo; Andrew Trimble, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Keith Earls; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray.
Forwards: Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Nathan White; Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy; CJ Stander, Tommy O’Donnell, Jamie Heaslip.
