Ireland beef up their pack for decider
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland announced five changes on Thursday as they seek their first Test series victory in 39 years in Australia.
After levelling the three-Test series at one-all last week, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt made two changes to the front row with Jack McGrath at loosehead prop alongside recalled hooker Sean Cronin.
Hooker Niall Scannell and prop Cian Healy, who played in Ireland’s 26-21 win in Melbourne, were named among the reserves.
In the back row, skipper Peter O’Mahony was selected at openside flank and Christiaan Stander shifted to blindside to accommodate Jack Conan at number eight.
Among the backs, Robbie Henshaw moves to outside centre with Bundee Aki named ahead of Garry Ringrose at inside-centre.
Wing Jacob Stockdale was recalled in place of Andrew Conway, who was left out of the 23-man matchday squad.
There were further changes among Ireland’s reserves, with John Cooney and Joey Carbery replaced by Kieran Marmion and Ross Byrne.
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 6 Christiaan Stander, 5 James Ryan, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Niall Scannell, 17 Cian Healy, 18 John Ryan, 19 Tadhg Beirne, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Jordan Larmour.
Date: Saturday, June 23
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 20.05 (11.05 UK time; 10.05 GMT)
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa),
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
AFP
