Cian Healy is unlikely to be risked when Joe Schmidt confirms a strong team to play England in the final World Cup warm up game in Twickenham on Saturday.
With Cian Healy out injured, and game time needed for the front liners - the Irish Independent are reporting that it's probable Schmidt will revert to the starting XV that lost to Wales in the Six Nations.
Tommy Bowe and Simon Zebo are set to get some needed match fitness on the wings, with normal centre pairing Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne renewing their partnership.
With Healy out, Jack McGrath continues with Rory Best and Mike Ross; while Devin Toner is being given a chance after Iain Henderson's tour de force against Wales in Dublin. Tadhg Furlong is the likely cover at loosehead on the bench.
The interesting selections will be who on the replacements bench. New Irish citizen Richardt Strauss has gotten a lot more gametime than Sean Cronin who should expect to back up Rory Best. Will Ian Madigan be given a go at scrumhalf? Chris Henry is likely to need more game-time than Jordi Murphy who started last week. Donnacha Ryan hasn't played since his impressive run-out against Wales in the first game, but Devin Toner has similarly only had a run out against Scotland.
It will also be interesting to see which of Darren Cave, Luke Fitzgerald and Dave Kearney will be awarded the 23 jersey.
Probable Team To Face England:
15. Rob Kearney
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Jared Payne
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Simon Zebo
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Paul O'Connell (c)
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip
See Also: Horgan: D'Arcy's RWC Exclusion Doesn't Diminish 'A Remarkable Career'
Picture credit: Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE
