South Africa-born Richardt Strauss is set to make his Ireland debut against the Springboks in Dublin this weekend after being given a place in coach Declan Kidney's injury-hit starting fifteen.
It means the same family will be providing both hookers for this weekend's match at Lansdowne Road, with the 26-year-old Strauss's cousin, Adriaan Strauss, starting in the Springboks' No 2 shirt.
The cousins grew up together and both attended Grey College in Bloemfontein where Richardt played as a flanker and Adriaan at hooker.
Richardt Strauss, who plays his club rugby for European champions Leinster, qualified for Ireland after completing a three-year residency period.
Leinster number 8 Jamie Heaslip will captain Ireland for the first time in the injury-enforced absence of centre Brian O'Driscoll, lock Paul O'Connell and Rory Best, all of whom have previously skippered the side.
