Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

Payne ruled out of Springboks clash

Ireland fullback Jared Payne will miss the decisive final Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday due to a calf injury.

Ireland will be without injured fullback Jared Payne for Saturday's third and final Test against South Africa but have brought back five regulars to strengthen their side for the decisive match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

A calf injury ruled out the New Zealand-born back, who usually plays centre for Ireland but has been outstanding in the first two encounters at fullback.

It means a first start for Tiernan O'Halloran, who had just three minutes off the bench last Saturday for Ireland in their 32-26 second Test defeat to South Africa at Ellis Park.

Coach Joe Schmidt recalled Mike Ross in the front row, flankers CJ Stander and Jordi Murphy and returned Iain Henderson from the loose trio to lock in changes among the forwards, while bringing back Keith Earls on the wing.

Luke Marshall replaces the injured Robbie Henshaw, who went home for possible knee surgery after being injured at the weekend, at centre.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

South African-born Stander had been suspended for the second Test after being sent off early in the first match at Newlands, which Ireland won 26-20.

The changes allow for an element of freshness which Schmidt said on Thursday was necessary.

"It's been a long season and there are a lot of tired bodies. Maybe that's going to detract from the performance and they won't be at their optimum," he told a news conference.

"However, you might not be able to detect that, as while they might not have the reserves of fresh energy, they should make up for it with their commitment."

Schmidt said South Africa had got better as the series progressed.

"I said it at the start, Allister Coetzee has just started with this group, and it will take time to build momentum. I really hope they don't play with too much rhythm and synergy this weekend, though," he added.

"Hopefully we can do our bit to influence how they play."

Ireland: Tiernan O'Halloran, Andrew Trimble, Luke Marshall, Stuart Olding, Keith Earls, Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray; Jamie Heaslip, Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander, Devin Toner Iain Henderson, Mike Ross, Rory Best (capt), Jack McGrath. Replacements: Sean Cronin, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Ultan Dillane, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Matt Healey.


3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world