Thursday 23 October 2014 13:40, UK
Prop Nathan White will make his Ireland debut against South Africa should Mike Ross fail to shake off a groin injury.
Head coach Joe Schmidt has confirmed he will select the New Zealand-born White – who plays for Connacht – if Ross is sidelined for the game on November 8.
Former Leinster tighthead White would become Ireland's fourth oldest debutant, at 33 years and 51 days, if he faces the Springboks at the Aviva Stadium.
Schmidt said: "Nathan is very experienced. He's played a lot of Super Rugby. He's 33, so he's no spring chicken but his experience is one of the reasons why we have picked him.
"I'm not sure whether Mike will play this weekend or next weekend, because at the moment it's symptom-based.
"If he's able to play then great If he is unavailable for South Africa I think we've got a bit of experience in Nathan.
"Probably uppermost for Nathan was how we went against Jack McGrath and Cian Healy in the derby game against Leinster.
"To be honest, there aren't too many other options given other injuries. Tadhg Furlong we do believe is a long-term option but at the moment he's pretty young to be thrown in."
