Nov 22,2024
Cormac Izuchukwu and Gus McCarthy will make their Ireland debuts against Fiji on Saturday.
The 24-year-old Ulster back row and 21-year-old Leinster hooker are among seven changes to the starting XV that beat Argentina last weekend.
Jamie Osborne, Bundee Aki, Sam Prendergast, Jacob Stockdale and Craig Casey also come into the side for the Aviva Stadium clash (3.10pm), Ireland's third game of the Autumn Nations Series.
After his impressive cameo off the bench last week, Osborne is named at full-back for his first start in green at Aviva Stadium, joining Mack Hansen and Stockdale in the Ireland back three.
Robbie Henshaw starts at outside centre and is joined in the midfield by Aki, while Prendergast is set for his first Test start in a half-back pairing with Casey.
In the pack, Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham are either side of uncapped hooker McCarthy (below), who was initially named in the Autumn Nations Series squad as a training panellist.
Joe McCarthy continues in the second row and is joined by Tadhg Beirne, who moves forward from the back row, allowing Izuchukwu to come in for his debut at 6 having been a member of the summer tour squad to South Africa and the recent Emerging Ireland tour.
The 24-year-old has plenty of experience alongside him in the Ireland back row as Josh van der Flier is named at openside and captain Caelan Doris at number 8 to complete the starting XV.
On the bench, Rónan Kelleher, Tom O'Toole, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson and Cian Prendergast provide the forward options for Farrell, while Conor Murray, Ciarán Frawley and Stuart McCloskey are the backline replacements.
Prop Cian Healy misses out and will have to wait to move ahead of Brian O'Driscoll as Ireland’s outright most-capped player following his 133rd appearance against the Pumas.
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 more 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 this exciting next steps in their careers."
Meanwhile, Fiji coach Mick Byrne has made nine changes from his side's 33-19 win against Spain last weekend, with co-captain Waisea Nayacalevu and out-half Caleb Muntz (above) among those to retain their places.
Crucially, they have picked 12 of the starting side from their 24-19 win against Wales earlier this month.
Sevens convert Ponipate Loganimasi starts on the left wing in the absence of the suspended Semi Radradra.
The other changes come in the pack, where Luke Tagi starts at tighthead prop, and Isoa Nasilasila gets a start in the second row.
"Semi dropping out has given opportunity to young Ponipate Loganimasi so there's not a lot of change there," Byrne said.
"Ratu Leone Rotuisolia hasn’t pulled up well after the Spain game so young Setareki [Turagacoke] has come in and trained really well and we’re really excited about him as well so it is as good a side as we could have picked this week."
"We had a really good week this week and just finished a great training session there.
"It was a nice fast and sharp sessions and the combinations were really coming good so the longer we can spend together as a team the better our combinations will be.
"We'll definitely be in better shape than we were in the Wales week."
Ireland: Jamie Osborne; Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey; Andrew Porter, Gus McCarthy, Finlay Bealham; Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne; Cormac Izuchukwu, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Tom O'Toole, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson, Cian Prendergast, Conor Murray, Ciarán Frawley, Stuart McCloskey.
Fiji: Vuate Karawalevu; Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (co-capt), Josua Tuisova, Ponipate Loganimasi; Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere (co-capt), Luke Tagi; Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua; Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata.
Replacements: Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Satareki Turagacoke, Albert Tuisue, Peni Matawalu, Vilmoni Botitu, Sireli Maqala.
