Ireland’s expected team to face South Africa will spark a lot of debate

Why him at openside? Breaking up that combination? Why is Ultan Dillane on the bench? Where is Matt Healy?

That is just a taster of what to expect when Joe Schmidt names his Ireland team to face South Africa on Thursday afternoon. Ireland may make as little as five personnel changes from the side that defeated Scotland, last time out, but only one unit is set to be untouched. Schmidt alluded to breaking up tried and tested combinations an injuries have further forced his hand. The big calls will be who wears the 5, 7, 12, 13 and 15 jerseys. Paddy Jackson will partner Conor Murray and the front row of Jack McGrath, Rory Best and Mike Ross is in-situ. Iain Henderson missed the entire Six Nations but will come in beside Devin Toner in the second row. That should mean a place on the bench for Ultan Dillane, who finished Connacht's title-winning season in mighty form. CJ Stander [blindside] and Jamie Heaslip [No.8] retain their jerseys after strong, personal finishes to the Six Nations and provincial campaigns. Jordi Murphy's end-of-season peak looks to give him the edge over Rhys Ruddock at openside. Ruddock did a fine job in the role, in 2014, but Schmidt likes him as a powerful closer and Murphy is back to something like his best. The wings will be occupied by Keith Earls and Andrew Trimble with Robbie Henshaw likely to start at fullback. Matt Healy could make his Test debut off the bench. That leaves Jared Payne at outside centre to aid Jackson as best he can. Schmidt's final call, for his starting XV at least, is between Luke Marshall or Stuart Olding at 12. We suspect Olding will get the nod but Marshall and Payne for more experience together from their time in Ulster's midfield. IRELAND'S EXPECTED TEAM 15. Robbie Henshaw 14. Andrew Trimble 13. Jared Payne 12. Stuart Olding 11. Keith Earls 10. Paddy Jackson 9. Conor Murray 1. Jack McGrath 2. Rory Best 3. Mike Ross 4. Devin Toner 5. Iain Henderson 6. CJ Stander 7. Jordi Murphy 8. Jamie Heaslip