After yesterday's rest day, the squad will hold a full training session this morning, with flanker Sean O'Brien hoping to play a full part after nursing a tight hamstring earlier in the week.
Johnny Sexton is expected to start at out-half after Paddy Jackson was released from the squad to play for Ulster tonight, but all-eyes will be on whether or not Schmidt decides to hand a Test debut to the likes of Stuart McCloskey or CJ Stander.
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Meanwhile, the Six Nations weekend kicks-off tonight at Donnybrook where the Ireland Under 20's will begin their campaign against their Welsh counter-parts.
Kick-off is at 7:35, which is also the start time at Kingspan Stadium where Ulster will host the Dragons in their re-scheduled Guinness Pro12 fixture.
