Craig Casey, Tadgh Beirne and Conor Murray feature in a fresh looking Irish 23
Limerick scrum-half Craig Casey is one of seven changes to Andy Farrell’s Ireland team to face Fiji on Saturday as the reigning Grand Slam champions look to make it back to back victories this Autumn.
Casey, and scrum-half partner Conor Murray, make up a three man panel of Munster players named in the matchday squad for the clash in the Aviva Stadium.
Casey partners young Leinster out-half Sam Prendergast at half-back, who made his debut last weekend. The returning Bundee Aki and former Connacht partner Robbie Henshaw start outside them at centre with a new look back three of Jacob Stockdale, Mack Hansen and Jamie Osborne rounding out the backline.
The pack sees two debutants included, with Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy packing down alongside Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham in the front-row. Munster captain Tadhg Beirne reverts to lock alongside Joe McCarthy, meaning Tullamore’s Cormac Izuchukwu starts at blindside, with Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris retained. Izuchukwu is set to become Offaly’s first male 15s player in the professional era, while McCarthy will be Ireland’s youngest debutant since Robbie Henshaw over a decade ago.
There’s a fresh feel to the replacements bench also with Tom O’Toole returning to cover loosehead prop for the first time, along with Ronan Kelleher and Tom Clarkson. The experienced Iain Henderson and Conor Murray join them as does Connacht captain Cian Prendergast, brother of out-half Sam; Ciarán Frawley and Stuart McCloskey.
Ireland come into this game looking to record successive victories after an opening loss in the test window to New Zealand, and fans will be hopeful that the mix of youth and experience can get the job done.
The visiting flying Fijians are looking to make it three on the bounce following victories over Wales and Spain in the past fortnight. Sale Sharks centre Waisea Nayacalevu and Fijian Drua hooker Tevita Ikanivere are co-captains for Mick Byrne’s men as they seek a first ever win over Ireland. Halfback pairing Frank Lomani and Caleb Muntz will look to control the team from midfield, but Ireland will need to be on red alert with athletic powerhouses like Josua Tuisova (Racing 92) and Jiuta Wainiqolo (RC Toulon) always dangerous going forward.
Kickoff in Dublin on Saturday is 3:10pm, and it is live on Virgin Media One and TNT Sports.
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 (Captain).
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson, Cian Prendergast, Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley, Stuart McCloskey.
Fiji: Vuate Karawalevu; Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (Co-Captain), Joshua Tuisova, Ponipate Loganimasi; Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani; Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere (Co-Captain), Luke Tagi; Mesake Vocevoce, Temp Manyanavanua; Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Eilia Canakaivata.
Replacements: Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Setareki Turagacoke, Albert Tuisue, Peni Matawelu, Vilimoni Botitu, Sireli Maqala.
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
AR 1: Matthew Carley (RFU) AR 2: Sam Grove-White (SRU)
TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU)
FPRO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)