Time against Payne, Best and Henry making Georgia game

On the premise that Gordon D'Arcy was ruled out of the Ireland team to play South Africa for being unfit to train 10 days before the game, Jared Payne, Rory Best and Chris Henry are not going to feature against Georgia on Sunday.

There is also a strong chance that Paul O'Connell, Jonathan Sexton, Rob Kearney and Conor Murray will be rested ahead of the Australia match six days later.

Updates on Henry (“severe migraine” last Saturday morning) and Payne (foot) are imminent. Rory Best is running again after a calf strain.

"There will be something released tomorrow on (Henry and Payne)," said Greg Feek.

To the possible starting XV then. D'Arcy is due to partner Robbie Henshaw in a midfield that would then be retained for the Wallabies with Simon Zebo the only other back not rested.

Felix Jones should win his eighth cap at fullback, with Craig Gilroy on the right wing and a new halfback pairing of Eoin Reddan and Ian Madigan. Ian Keatley and Stuart Olding are also in consideration for the 10-12 positions or the bench.

Mike Ross needs game time following a month-long injury lay off and will start but the quick turnaround may necessitate Dave Kilcoyne's promotion with Jack McGrath in reserve. Richardt Strauss, following his impressive showing off the bench against his native country, could swap roles with Seán Cronin.

“The way the (South Africa) game went – very stop, starty and a bit of kicking – it actually suited Rossy in the end,” said Feek of the 74-minute shift put in by Ireland’s 34-year-old tighthead. “Obviously scrum time we were not happy but given his history he will only get better. With his experience we can rely on him to get out and do a good job. He did that.”

The ever durable Leinster captain Jamie Heaslip is the obvious choice to lead Ireland in a backrow flanked by Rhys Ruddock and Tommy O'Donnell.

Dominic Ryan and Dave Foley are both poised to win their first caps.

The team will be named on Friday.