Few surprises as Kidney gives Healy his Ireland call

ONE didn’t need a degree in rugby psychology to predict the composition of Declan Kidney’s Irish team to face Australia in the first of the Guinness series of November internationals at Croke Park on Sunday.

Paddy Wallace’s impressive form for a resurgent Ulster was certain to earn him the number 12 jersey ahead of Gordon D’Arcy while 22-year-old Cian Healy was first name on the list to replace Marcus Horan at loose head prop.

Once Jerry Flannery was declared fit after a nagging calf injury, he was certain to be pencilled in as hooker and likewise, John Hayes will again start at tight head prop though he hasn’t played for six weeks because of suspension.