World News Ireland axe captain O’Mahony for next South Africa test Blog

Ireland have dropped captain Peter O’Mahony from their starting lineup as they made four changes to their side for the second Test against South Africa on Saturday.

O’Mahony will sit on the bench for the clash at King’s Park and Caelan Doris will take over the captaincy.

James Ryan comes in as lock, Tadhg Beirne moves to the flanker position.

Hooker Dan Sheehan and halfback Craig Casey had already been ruled out after sustaining injuries in the 27-20 loss to the world champions at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria last weekend.

Sheehan has suffered a serious knee injury that could keep him out of action for the rest of the year. He will be replaced by Ronan Kelleher, who filled in for him in the first Test.

Casey suffered a concussion after a tackle and was replaced by the experienced Conor Murray, who had replaced him in the second half in Pretoria and scored a try.

Bundee Aki is struggling with a shoulder injury and will be replaced in midfield by Garry Ringrose.

Six Nations champions Ireland had a long list of injuries at the start of the week, but James Lowe (thigh), Jamie Osborne (leg) and Andrew Porter (cut hand) are all fit again.

IRELAND: Jamie Osborne, Calvin Nash, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Caelan Doris (c), Josh van der Flier, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter.

Substitutes: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Caolin Blade, Ciaran Frawley, Stuart McCloskey.

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