James Lowe not reading too much into South Africa's 7-1 split

The wing will earn his 24th Ireland cap at Stade de France having never warmed a bench in his Test career and only been replaced once

FULLY FOCUSED: James Lowe during Ireland's captain's run at the Stade de France. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Inevitably this week, any Ireland media conference has eventually got around to addressing South Africa’s unique replacement selection.

Seven forwards and just one back? The South Africans first tried it last month as a dry run for Saturday night’s showdown and it reaped dividends in helping to tear New Zealand apart in a record 35-7 defeat for the All Blacks yet Irish indifference was uniform among coaches and players who have never strayed from a five-three division of labour off the bench.