DUBLIN — In an exciting autumn rugby clash on Saturday, Ireland is set to introduce two new forwards to the lineup and will have Sam Prendergast starting as flyhalf against Fiji. This match follows a narrow victory over Argentina, where Ireland clinched a 22-19 win last Friday. There are nine changes to the team, with two players switching positions for the match.
Leinster’s Gus McCarthy, who led Ireland to an Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slam victory last year, will be making his test debut as a hooker. On the other hand, Ulster flanker Cormac Izuchukwu, who established himself as a regular player last season, has been part of the Ireland squad since their tour of South Africa in July and will also make his first appearance on the international stage.
Joining the starting lineup is Prendergast, who made his debut in the recent match against Argentina, stepping in for Jack Crowley, who will sit out this game to rest. Scrumhalf Craig Casey, having played the last few minutes against Argentina, is also set to start, replacing Jamison Gibson-Park. Bundee Aki returns to bolster the midfield, taking Garry Ringrose’s place, while Jamie Osborne will fill in as fullback for Hugo Keenan, marking his first home start during his fifth test. Left wing James Lowe is given a break, allowing Jacob Stockdale to feature for the first time since August 2023.
The benches have also seen significant changes, with Tom O’Toole returning. He sustained a concussion shortly after coming on as a substitute against New Zealand two weeks ago. Additionally, both Connacht back-row player Cian Prendergast and Ulster center Stuart McCloskey are included; the latter hasn’t played for Ireland since the Rugby World Cup warm-ups around 15 months ago.
The Ireland squad for the match includes Jamie Osborne, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale, Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey; along with Caelan Doris (captain), Josh van der Flier, Cormac Izuchukwu, Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Gus McCarthy, and Andrew Porter. The reserve players are Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson, Cian Prendergast, Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley, and Stuart McCloskey.