Best set to start for Ireland

Ulster hooker Rory Best will make his full Ireland debut in Saturday’s clash with South Africa at Lansdowne Road.

Best replaces shoulder-injury victim Jerry Flannery in the starting line-up with Munster front row Frankie Sheahan providing back-up from the bench.

It is the only change to the side that was beaten by Australia during the summer tour.

Ireland team to face South Africa at Lansdowne Road on Saturday:

G Dempsey (Leinster), S Horgan (Leinster), B O’Driscoll (Leinster, captain), G D’Arcy (Leinster), A Trimble (Ulster), R O’Gara (Munster), P Stringer (Munster), M Horan (Munster), R Best (Ulster), J Hayes (Munster), D O’Callaghan (Munster), P O’Connell (Munster), N Best (Ulster), D Wallace (Munster), D Leamy (Munster).

Substitutes: F Sheahan (Munster), B Young (Ulster), M O’Kelly (Leinster), S Easterby (Llanelli), I Boss (Ulster), P Wallace (Ulster), G Murphy (Leicester).