 Wasps flanker Johnny O'Connor seems certain to earn his first Irish cap |
Wasps' Johnny O'Connor seems certain to make his Ireland debut against South Africa after being named in the squad of 22 for the 13 November Test. The squad was trimmed back from the initial 30-strong panel on Wednesday.
Ulster trio Roger Wilson, Simon Best and Tommy Bowe are among those who drop out from the original squad.
Wilson has an ankle injury while Victor Costello also joins Gordon D'Arcy as an absentee because of a rib problem but the squad has no major surprises.
Also dropping out of the original squad are Leo Cullen, Denis Leamy, Alan Quinlan and Anthony Horgan.
After an eye-catching start to the Zurich Premiership season, calls for O'Connor to be given his first cap have grown louder.
Ireland take on the Springboks at Lansdowne Road and also face the USA on 20 November and Argentina a week later.
Forwards: S Byrne, R Corrigan, S Easterby, A Foley, J Hayes, M Horan, E Miller, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, J O'Connor, M O'Kelly, F Sheahan.
Backs: G Dempsey, G Easterby, D Hickie, S Horgan, D Humphreys, K Maggs, G Murphy, B O'Driscoll, R O'Gara, P Stringer.
MMIX
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