Just 16 months out from the World Cup in Japan, Schmidt has gone for an experienced and proven squad to lay down a marker that the second-ranked team in the world are worthy contenders for the Webb Ellis Cup. There is also a place for Scarlets’ Munster-bound lock Tadhg Beirne, 26, to earn his Test debut three summers after being released by Leinster after just 10 appearances for his home province. This has probably been the most difficult selection process for the coaching group to date,” Schmidt said. “It’s going to be tough but we’re looking forward to putting ourselves up against a contrasting style of play. They are obviously very well coached, they’ve got a clear and coherent plan they want to deliver and they deliver that plan every week.

Source: Irish Examiner May 23, 2018 23:03 UTC