Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named an experimental side for their Autumn Nations Series test against Fiji at a sold-out Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Promising young Leinster fly-half Sam Prendergast makes his first Test start, forming an exciting half-back pairing with Craig Casey. The young 10 put in a solid performance off the bench against Argentina last week, with even the opposition coach Felipe Contepomi noting that he “played well” and that he will become a “top-quality player.”
The team features two uncapped players in the starting lineup. Leinster hooker and former Ireland U20 Grand Slam-winning captain Gus McCarthy will make his senior debut in the front row, while Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu earns his first cap at blindside flanker.
Jamie Osborne, who impressed off the bench in last week’s victory over Argentina, gets his first start at full-back. He will line up alongside wings Mack Hansen and Jacob Stockdale in Ireland’s back three. Ulster fans in particular will be thrilled to see the giant Stockdale back in Irish colours.
In the midfield, Garry Ringrose sits the match out, with Robbie Henshaw starting at outside centre and Bundee Aki partnering him at inside centre.
The pack sees Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham flanking debutant McCarthy in the front row. Joe McCarthy retains his place in the second row, partnering Tadhg Beirne, who shifts from the back row to accommodate Izuchukwu’s debut at blindside. Ireland’s back row is completed by the experienced duo of Josh van der Flier at openside and captain Caelan Doris at number eight.
Farrell’s bench provides a blend of experience and youth. Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson, and Cian Prendergast offer forward options, while Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley, and Stuart McCloskey cover the backline.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Andy Farrell said: “There were signs of improvement last weekend and this week has been about building and embracing the challenge of a talented Flying Fijian side who will be coming over to Dublin full of confidence after their recent displays.
“On Saturday we welcome two new debutants and I’m delighted for Cormac and Gus who have impressed with their work-rate and application over recent weeks and months. They have both performed strongly for their Provinces, brought that good form into the recent Emerging Ireland Tour and are now being rewarded for their efforts. We wish them well as they take these exciting next steps in their careers.”
Ireland starting XV
15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(4)
14. Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht)(23)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(75)
12. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(58)
11. Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster)(37)
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(1)
9. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(16)
1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(68)
2. Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)*
3. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(44)
4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(14)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(54)
6. Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster)*
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(66)
8. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(45)(captain)
Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(35)
17. Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(14)
18. Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster)(1)
19. Iain Henderson (Academy/Ulster)(82)
20. Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht)(3)
21. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)(119)
22. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(7)
23. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(18)
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