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Rugby

27th Aug 2015

Joe Schmidt’s new centre partnership will have Irish rugby fans salivating

Excellent

Patrick McCarry

Here we go now.

Joe Schmidt has partnered Robbie Henshaw and Luke Fitzgerald in midfield for Ireland’s final World Cup warm-up game on these shores.

The New Zealander has given Fitzgerald the coveted No.13 jersey and placed Henshaw alongside him, in midfield.

Scotland's Dougie Fife is tackled by IrelandÕs Robbie Henshaw and Luke Fitzgerald 21/3/2015

There are wing spots for Dave Kearney and Keith Earls, Nathan White gets his first Ireland start and there are returns, to the green jersey, for Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony.

Paul O’Connell will captain the team in what will be his final home game for his country.

Ireland team

Pairing up Henshaw and Fitzgerald was a move we mooted back in March, following Ireland’s 40-10 win over Scotland.

Earlier today, Wales named the team they hope will avenge their 35-21 loss to Ireland, in Cardiff, on August 8.

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