South Africa vs Ireland: Caelan Doris named captain as Peter O’Mahony drops to bench

Garry Ringrose, James Ryan, Conor Murray and Rónan Kelleher all come into the starting XV for the second Test

Head coach Andy Farrell has backed Caelan Doris to thrive as captain as he takes over the role for Ireland's second test against South Africa. Video: IRFU

Caelan Doris will captain Ireland during their second Test against South Africa as Peter O’Mahony drops to the bench.

It marks the second occasion the Leinster number eight has been named as the starting captain of his country after he was also given the job during this year’s Six Nations victory over Italy.

Tadhg Beirne, who was at lock during the 27-20 first Test defeat, shifts to blindside flanker to replace O’Mahony. James Ryan, who came off the bench, comes into the starting side at lock.

All told, Ryan is one of four new faces in the starting XV. Conor Murray replaces Craig Casey at scrumhalf, who suffered a concussion last weekend, Rónan Kelleher starts at hooker in place of the injured Dan Sheehan while Garry Ringrose lines out at 13.

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Robbie Henshaw moves in one position from 13 to 12 as Bundee Aki, who was a previous injury concern with a shoulder issue, drops out of the matchday 23.

Rob Herring, Caolan Blade and Stuart McCloskey all come on to the bench.

IRELAND (v South Africa): Jamie Osborne; Calvin Nash, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Conor Murray; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Caolan Blade, Ciarán Frawley, Stuart McCloskey.

Nathan Johns

Nathan Johns

Nathan Johns is an Irish Times journalist