Andy Farrell has injected new blood into the starting XV for the match against Fiji in Dublin, with two uncapped players: Gus McCarthy, Leinster hooker and former captain of the Grand Slam-winning Under-20s, makes his debut in first row, while Cormac Izuchukwu (photo), Ulster third row, is established in the closed third row position for his first selection.
Jamie Osborne, author of a good performance off the bench against Argentina, starts for the first time at the Aviva Stadium as a full-back. He completes the back triangle alongside Mack Hansen and Jacob Stockdale.
Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki form an experienced pair in the centre, while fly-half Sam Prendergast starts for the first time at the hinge with Craig Casey in the scrum.
On the front line, Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham supervise Gus McCarthy, who has earned the confidence of the staff after solid performances during recent preparation camps, notably in Portugal and Dublin.
Joe McCarthy retains his place in the second row, this time alongside Tadhg Beirne, repositioned after playing in the third row in recent matches. The move paves the way for Cormac Izuchukwu's debut at number six, having gained experience with Ireland's Development team in South Africa and on the recent tour.
The 24-year-old will be well supported in the Irish back row, with Josh van der Flier on the wing and captain Caelan Doris at number eight.
On the bench, Rónan Kelleher, Tom O'Toole, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson and Cian Prendergast cover the forwards, while Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley and Stuart McCloskey provide options for the back lines.
Ahead of Saturday's game, Andy Farrell said: “There were signs of improvement last weekend, and this week has been about building on that progress and preparing for the challenge of a team talented Fijian, who will arrive in Dublin full of confidence after her recent performances.
“On Saturday we welcome two new debutants, and I am delighted for Cormac and Gus, who have stood out for their work rate and application in recent weeks and months. Both have delivered excellent performances with their provinces, brought this good form to the recent Development Ireland tour, and fully deserve this opportunity. We wish them the best for this first step in their international career. »
The Irish team (against Fiji):
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Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster) – 68 caps
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Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster) – 0 sélection
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Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht) – 44 sélections
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Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster) – 14 caps
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Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster) – 54 caps
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Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster) – 0 selection
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Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster) – 66 caps
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Caelan Doris (St Mary's College/Leinster) – 45 caps (captain)
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Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster) – 16 caps
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Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster) – 1 sélection
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Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster) – 37 caps
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Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht) – 58 selections
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Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster) – 75 caps
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Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht) – 23 caps
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Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster) – 4 caps
Substitutes
16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster) – 35 caps 17. Tom O'Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster) – 14 caps 18. Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster) – 1 cap 19. Iain Henderson (Academy/Ulster) – 82 selections 20. Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht) – 3 selections 21. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) – 119 caps 22. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster) – 7 caps 23. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster) – 18 caps
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