Ireland will have to plan without Keith Earls and Jack McGrath for their opening November test against South Africa.
The Irish Independent report that the pair suffered injuries in training at Carton House this week and will miss the game at the Aviva Stadium. Joe Schmidt names his starting XV on Thursday afternoon.
Bundee Aki is set to win his first cap. He's likely to partner Leinster man Robbie Henshaw. The Connacht centre has been part of the set-up for the first time after qualifying under the residency rule.
Joey Carbery could earn his fifth cap at full-back in the absence of Simon Zebo, but faces competition from the fit again Rob Kearney.
The British and Irish Lions’ pairing of Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton look likely to get the nod.
Ulster winger Jacob Stockdale is also in line for his home debut after starting two of last summer’s three Tests in the USA and Japan.
Earls' knock could open the door for Munster man Andrew Conway. Cian Healy is likely to be named alongside Rory Best and Tadhg Furlong in the absence of Jack McGrath.
IRELAND XV PREDICTED LINE-UP: J Carbery; J Stockdale, R Henshaw, B Aki, A Conway; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, T Furlong, D Toner, I Henderson, P O’Mahony, S O’Brien, C J Stander.
