Schmidt turns to icon O’Connell to lead Ireland into new era

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONALS:

Former Munster and & Lions skipper O’Connell, 34, was appointed captain of country yesterday by the new head coach ahead of the previous incumbent, fellow forward Jamie Heaslip, who must settle for the vice-captaincy.

Yet the birth of the Schmidt regime tomorrow against Samoa at the Aviva Stadium will see its leader start from the replacement’s bench, the Ireland management choosing to leave O’Connell and fellow 2013 Lions Cian Healy and Sean O’Brien in abeyance due to their lack of training time in camp following recent injuries.