Earlier this week, Rassie Erasmus was the first to speculate on the Ireland lineup for this Saturday’s Test match against South Africa, to be held at Loftus Versfeld. Jamie Osborne was notably absent from his speculation, but it seems that this 22-year-old from Leinster will be making his debut against the reigning world champions.
Osborne, along with uncapped players Cormac Izuchukwu and Sam Prendergast, is part of the squad and has spent most of this season playing centre for the province. In fact, the last time he filled the fullback role was during Leinster’s match against Glasgow Warriors in November 2022.
The player from Naas has consistently stepped up when called upon, but this upcoming game presents his greatest challenge to date. Known for his dynamic attack and vast strength in his left boot, his 6’3 stature also makes him a formidable force in aerial contests.
The lack of fullback Hugo Keenan (Sevens) and the injured scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park necessitated a reconfiguration of the team. Jack Conan was absent from the tour for personal reasons, while Garry Ringrose and James Ryan have thankfully recovered from injuries that limited their participation in the tournament.
The whole 35-man squad participated in a training session at St Peter’s College in Johannesburg, so Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell is spoilt for choice in shaping the lineup. Osborne has pipped Jimmy O’Brien and Ciarán Frawley, who previously played against Wales, to the post, while Jordan Larmour has previously filled the 15 jersey in a game against Scotland.
Calvin Nash featured in all five Six Nations games while Mack Hansen, the player who scored Ireland’s try against the ‘Boks in Paris, was out with an injury. Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw have been coach Farrell’s go-to centre pairing while Ringrose was out, though the latter, having been first choice throughout the World Cup, including the victory over the Springboks in the pool game, is likely to start.
Conor Murray has been a substitute for four out of five Six Nations games. Meanwhile, Craig Casey, who started the game against Italy, seems likely to be chosen as the starting nine given his similar style to Gibson-Park, characterized by high energy and excitement.
Peter O’Mahony, the captain of the Irish rugby team, will serve as the blindside flanker, with teammates Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne in the second-row. The final composition of the bench, as determined by Farrell, could pit Nick Timoney against Henshaw, depending on whether a six-two split or a five-three configuration is chosen.
Notably, O’Mahony, along with several other Irish players, returned to St Peter’s College in the afternoon to participate in School of Hard Knocks (SoHK), an NGO for sports development, reported to have joined hands with the Irish embassy since 2022. The SoHK focuses on developing programmes for teens and adults to address trauma and boost emotional health. Among them is the NXTGENMEN initiative, aimed at combating violence against women.
Youths from Alexandra township, representing Alex and Queen’s clubs, attended a coaching session with the Irish players. At this event, Cape Town-born Irish international Rob Herring said, “seeing the work that the Irish embassy is engaged in is truly a privilege.” He talked about their goal to inspire children and the nation at large. He added that they could make a significant impact, particularly in combating mental health issues and gender-based violence, if they could serve as positive role models.
Moreover, in Herring’s perspective, rugby has become a symbol of change in South Africa since the 1995 World Cup, and Nelson Mandela’s legacy. The country’s anticipation and subsequent victories in the last two World Cups have ignited a sense of hope in the people.
The possible Irish team includes J Osborne; C Nash, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, C Casey; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; T Beirne, J McCarthy; P O’Mahony (capt), J van der Flier, and C Doris.
Substitutes: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, C Murray, C Frawley, R Henshaw and N Timoney are the reserve players.