Casey and Osborne handed starts as Farrell names Ireland side for Springboks clash

Ireland rugby boss Andy Farrell has named his starting 15 for their opening Test against Rassie Erasmus' Springboks this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The Ireland squad have travelled in search of a first-ever Test series victory on South African soil, with the first part of their two-fixture assignment taking place at the Pretoria venue with a 4pm kick-off.

Farrell has handed scrum-half Craig Casey the reins at nine in the absence of Jamison-Gibson Park, where he will partner fellow Munster man Jack Crowley, who continues to nail down his position as first-choice Ireland out-half.

The other big call in the starting 15 comes in the form of the inclusion of versatile Leinster back Jamie Osborne at 15. 

With Hugo Keenan committed to an Olympic Sevens journey, the uncapped centre/winger/full-back Osborne has been given the nod to start ahead Jordan Larmour and Jimmy O'Brien.

Having missed the end of Munster's URC campaign, Calvin Nash has recovered to take his place on the right-wing, while James Lowe takes up residence on the left-wing.

Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki form the centre partnership once more, with the fit-again Garry Ringrose kept in reserve.

In the pack, the all-Leinster front-row of Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong will be tasked with quietening a potent Springbok bomb squad, while Joe McCarthy is stationed in the engine room alongside Munster's Tadhg Beirne.

Peter O'Mahony captains the side from blindside flanker, where he is joined by Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris.

Ireland: J Osborne; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, C Casey; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J McCarthy, T Beirne; P O'Mahony, J van der Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, C Murray, C Frawley, G Ringrose.