Quinn Roux: A risk worth taking
The Connacht bruiser was not a preferred choice n the second row for the Pro12 champions during their 2015-2016 campaign, which meant he has only played 12 games all season.
He was a surprise addition to Schmidt's squad, however, the Ireland coach believes Roux has the abilities Ireland need at the moment.
"It's a risk, I'd be the first to admit it," Schmidt told the Irish Times. "But how great is a risk taking another loosehead lock when we know how important the set piece is going to be?
"It's about trying to get the best needs-must solution to an imperfect world."
Schmidt believes the tour to South Africa will be a great learning curve for the former Stormers lock.
"Quinn is an investment in our set piece, and it is an investment in Quinn. We are very keen for Quinn to invest in us and demonstrate what he can do.
"It's frustrating for Quinn that he is not playing at moment. He would love to be playing but he is a big strong man who genuinely plays that side of the scrum."
Meanwhile, Schmidt believes Roux, CJ Stander and Richardt Strauss, whose cousin Adriaan Strauss was named Springbok captain earlier this week, can share some valuable experiences of playing in South Africa.
"Certainly there are insights they can offer," Schmidt conceded after initially calling them Irish men and no more. "They all played at a high level – Super Rugby or South Africa Under-20s – so they would know a number of the players . . . They can feel a little comfortable in the grounds we are playing on."
Source: Irish Times
