Irish boss puts faith in Ring-rusty Garry
JOE SCHMIDT has admitted Garry Ringrose was a “needs-must” selection for Ireland’s clash with Scotland.
Ringrose has just an hour’s rugby with Leinster under his belt since an ankle problem in January but must now act as the cure to the injury-hit midfield.
The 23-year-old will start at outside centre in the absence of long-term injured trio Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw and Chris Farrell.
Head coach Schmidt conceded doubts remain over Ringrose’s ability to last the full 80 minutes, with replacement Jordan Larmour or wing Keith Earls the next options to deputise at centre.
Schmidt said: “There are always concerns about players for different reasons, and Garry’s only had six games in this entire season. That’s something you calculate in but sometimes you don’t have the luxury of a plethora of options.
“Garry has been extraordinary when he has played for us, he has done great. We’re hoping he can hit the ground running and get straight into that form.
“He’s a smart player and hopefully he can get the balance between when he has to work hard and when he can get a breather back on the pitch.
“It’s a needs-must situation but it’s a situation where we’ve got a lot of trust and faith in Garry.”
Ulster centre Payne hasn’t played since last summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand, having suffered persistent headaches.
Leinster star Henshaw dislocated his right shoulder in Ireland’s 56-19 win over Italy in Dublin and Munster’s Farrell tore knee ligaments in training. Quick-witted centre Ringrose now becomes the third man to wear the No,13 shirt this year.
British and Irish Lions duo Tadhg Furlong and Iain Henderson return after hamstring problems – though Henderson only to the bench – with youngster James Ryan partnering Devin Toner at lock.
Henderson had been widely tipped to slot straight back into the starting line-up but Schmidt has kept faith with Toner.
The 31-year-old will this weekend make his 44th Ireland start under Schmidt, in the Kiwi coach’s 54th match at the helm.
Pivotal half-backs Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton have also shrugged off knocks to start.