- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
CJ Stander returns to the Irish team to face South Africa in the deciding match of Ireland’s 3-test series against the Springboks, this Saturday (June 25th) at 5pm local time.
Stander had sensationally been red carded only 20 minutes into the first match of the series, and was subsequently banned for the middle game.
Stander comes in at 6, moving Henderson to his customary place at lock. Henderson replaces Quinn Roux, who is dropped completely out of the 23 after his debut performance. Mike Ross comes in for Tadgh Furlong in the front row. Furlong moves to the bench.
Jared Payne has been ruled out of the match after sustaining a calf injury and his place at full back is taken by Tiernan O’Halloran of Connacht. This is Halloran’s first Test start after coming on off the bench in last week’s Test.
Luke Marshall comes in for Robbie Henshaw in the centre. Henshaw has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury. This is the first Test that Marshall and Olding have played together for Ireland, though they line out together for Ulster.
Eoin Reddan has been picked on the bench. It will be the last time Reddan plays for Ireland after announcing he is to retire at the end of the season. Reddan has had a glittering career with over 15 years of top class rugby, which has seen him play in over 400 first-class games.
Reddan has played stints at Wasps (where he won a Premiership title and a Heineken Cup), Leinster (where he won two Heineken Cups, two Pro12 titles and a Challenge Cup), Connacht and Munster. He has also played over 70 games for Ireland, where he won two Six Nations titles. He has been a stalwart warrior for Leinster and Ireland.
Ireland shocked everyone by winning the first Test against South Africa (26-20). They had a healthy lead in the second test (19-3) at half-time, before the Springboks were able come back to win, 32-26. It all comes down to the third Test.
To be honest, Ireland have surprised many by staying in the series this long, after coming to the end of a long season and dealing with a number of injuries. Also, only Jaimie Heaslip and Keith Earls of the Irish-born players had experience playing in South Africa before.
Ireland were tremendous to win in the first Test, but fatigue and the altitude got to them in the second. Now, it remains to be seen how they cope in the last Test. The Springboks have been disappointing in this series, only been able to gain a lead when the Irish players have been out on their feet.
The third Test will be close but I can see South Africa edging it. It should be a cracking game.
Ireland
Tiernan O’Halloran, Andrew Trimble, Luke Marshall, Stuart Olding, Keith Earls, Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray, Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Iain Henderson, Devin Toner, CJ Stander, Jordi Murphy, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Ultan Dillane, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Matt Healy.
South Africa
W le Roux; R Combrinck, L Mapoe, D de Allende, JP Pietersen; E Jantjes, F du Klerk; T Mtawarira, A Strauss (capt), F Malherbe, E Etzebeth, P-S du Toit; F Louw, S Kolisi, W Whiteley.
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Julian Redelinghuys, Franco Mostert, Jaco Kriel, Rudy Paige, Morne Steyn, Lwazi Mvovo.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.