Ireland Rugby Names Debutants For Autumn Nations Series Clash With Fiji
Ireland Rugby Names Debutants For Autumn Nations Series Clash With Fiji
Ireland Rugby names two debutants, Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu, for Saturday’s sold-out Autumn Nations clash against Fiji at Aviva Stadium.
Ireland Rugby head coach Andy Farrell has unveiled his Ireland squad for Saturday’s sold-out Autumn Nations Series fixture against Fiji at Aviva Stadium, where two uncapped players will make their international debuts.
The game kicks off at 3:10 p.m. local time, as Ireland looks to build on its recent form with fresh talent in the spotlight.
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Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy, a former Ireland U20 Grand Slam-winning captain, will earn his first cap in the front row alongside seasoned props Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham.
McCarthy, who initially was included in the Autumn Nations Series squad as a training panelist, has impressed Farrell and his coaching staff over the past weeks, earning a starting spot.
In the back row, Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu is set to start at blindside flanker.
The 24-year-old, who featured in the Emerging Ireland Tour and the Summer Tour to South Africa, will bring physicality and athleticism to a pack that includes openside flanker Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris at No. 8.
Jamie Osborne, fresh off an impactful substitute appearance against Argentina, will make his first start at fullback. He joins a back three featuring Mack Hansen and Jacob Stockdale, as Ireland fields a potent mix of youth and experience.
In the midfield, Robbie Henshaw partners with Bundee Aki, while Sam Prendergast, earning his first test start, links up with Craig Casey in the halfback pairing. Prendergast’s inclusion adds excitement as the young fly-half looks to make his mark in international rugby.
In the second row, Joe McCarthy is paired with Tadhg Beirne, who shifts from the back row to accommodate Izuchukwu. This move adds versatility to the pack, with Beirne’s breakdown expertise complementing McCarthy’s physical presence.
On the bench, Farrell has opted for a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, including Rónan Kelleher, Iain Henderson and Thomas Clarkson.
Veteran scrum-half Conor Murray provides experience in the backline replacements, supported by Ciaran Frawley and Stuart McCloskey.
Farrell spoke highly of his new debutants: “I’m delighted for Cormac and Gus, who have impressed with their work-rate and application. This is a big moment for them, and I know they’ll seize the opportunity.”
Facing a confident Fiji side, Ireland’s mixture of fresh faces and established leaders promises an intriguing clash in Dublin as Farrell’s men aim to continue their winning momentum.
Irish Rugby Team To Face Fiji
1. Andrew Porter, 2. Gus McCarthy, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Cormac Izuchukwu, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris, 9. Craig Casey, 10. Sam Prendergast, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Bundee Aki, 13. Robbie Henshaw, 14. Mack Hansen, 15. Jamie Osborne
Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher, 17. Tom O’Toole, 18. Thomas Clarkson, 19. Iain Henderson, 20. Cian Prendergast, 21. Conor Murray, 22. Ciaran Frawley, 23. Stuart McCloskey
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