Jump directly to the content

Jared Payne out of Ireland’s series decider against South Africa

Jared Payne out of Ireland's series decider against South Africa

Jared Payne has been ruled out of the Ireland team to face South Africa on Saturday after failing to overcome a calf injury.

Payne started both of the first two Tests against the Springboks but will play no part in this weekend's decider, which is also set to be Eoin Reddan's final appearance for Ireland after he announced his retirement.

Taking Payne's place is Connacht full-back Tiernan O'Halloran, who will make his first start for his country, while Stuart Olding and Luke Marshall are paired together in the centre.

Keith Earls returns to the wing and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has also recalled Rory Best, CJ Stander and Jordi Murphy to his starting pack. Iain Henderson is back in the second row after starting at blindside flanker last weekend.

Matt Healy will make his debut if introduced off the bench which means Schmidt will have used his entire 32-man touring squad.

Reddan, meanwhile, is set to win his 71st and final cap at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. 

The scrum-half has confirmed he will hang up his boots at the end of the season after a glittering career with Munster, Leinster, Wasps, Connacht and Ireland in which he won three Heineken Cups, two Six Nations, a Challenge Cup and two Pro12s.

"I have been privileged to be part of so many successful teams over the course of my career," said Reddan, who will start on the bench against the Springboks.

"To win European and domestic honours with both Wasps and Leinster has been fantastic and to taste Six Nations success with Ireland over the past three seasons has been incredible.

"I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that professional rugby has provided over the course of my career but feel that now is the right time to commit to the next chapter of my life and take on a new challenge."

Reddan, who is moving into aviation finance, added: "I have a fantastic opportunity in a dynamic industry that will bring a new set of challenges and opportunities for myself and my family. I am grateful to Leinster and the IRFU for supporting my decision to take up this opportunity."

South Africa have made two changes to their starting XV as they look to follow up last weekend's thrilling 32-26 win at Ellis Park by claiming a series-clinching victory.

Ruan Combrinck and Warren Whiteley coming in for Lwazi Mvovo and the injured Duane Vermeulen. Uncapped back-row Jaco Kriel could make his debut off the bench.

Teams for South Africa v Ireland on Saturday, June 25 in Port Elizabeth.

South Africa team: W le Roux; R Combrinck, L Mapoe, D de Allende, JP Pietersen; E Jantjes, F du Klerk; T Mtawarira, A Strauss (capt), F Malherbe, E Etzebeth, P-S du Toit; F Louw, S Kolisi, W Whiteley.

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff, Julian Redelinghuys, Franco Mostert, Jaco Kriel, Rudy Paige, Morne Steyn, Lwazi Mvovo.

Ireland team: T O'Halloran; A Trimble, L Marshall, S Olding, K Earls; P Jackson, C Murray; J McGrath, R Best (Capt), M Ross, I Henderson, D Toner; CJ Stander, J Murphy, J Heaslip.

Replacements: S Cronin, F Bealham, T Furlong, U Dillane, R Ruddock, E Reddan, I Madigan, M Healy.

Topics
cricket exchange