Yahoo Sports Osborne to make Ireland debut against Springboks
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named uncapped Jamie Osborne to start at full-back against South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday (16:00 BST).
The 22-year-old Leinster player fills the position usually occupied by his club team-mate Hugo Keenan, who is currently preparing for the Paris Olympics with Ireland's sevens side.
Jimmy O'Brien had been expected to get the nod at full-back for the opener of the two-Test series against the back-to-back world champions, while squad members Jordan Larmour, Ciaran Frawley and Jacob Stockdale all have international experience in the position.
Osborne has primarily played at centre for his province, last starting a senior game at full-back in November 2022.
In the other big selection call, Craig Casey has been chosen to take the place of the injured Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half.
The 25-year-old Munster player has 14 caps for the side, but only four of those have come in starts.
The experienced Conor Murray has been named among the replacements for the Test at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Elsewhere, Robbie Henshaw is selected ahead of Garry Ringrose to partner Bundee Aki in midfield, while Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy will continue their partnership in the second row.
Captain Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris form a familiar-looking back row, with James Lowe and Calvin Nash on the wings.
On the bench, Farrell has opted to go with a split of five forwards and three backs.
In addition to Keenan, wing Mack Hansen - who scored tries against South Africa in 2022 and 2023 - is missing from the tour as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
Ireland: J Osborne; C Nash, R Henshaw, 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, C Doris.
Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, C Murray, C Frawley, G Ringrose.
