Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his matchday squad for Saturday’s opening fixture of the inaugural Nations Championship against Australia in Sydney.
Ireland begin their campaign under the lights at a sold-out Allianz Stadium, with hooker Dan Sheehan captaining the side for the first time in a major international tournament as Farrell’s men look to make a winning start on Australian soil.
Hugo Keenan starts at full-back, while Rob Baloucoune and Jamie Osborne are selected on the wings in an exciting and pace-filled back three.
In midfield, the experienced pairing of Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey will provide Ireland with a blend of creativity and power, while Sam Prendergast continues his development at international level as he links up with Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs.
Up front, Tom O’Toole, captain Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong form an experienced front row, with Joe McCarthy and James Ryan packing down in the second row.
The back row sees Connacht’s Cian Prendergast joined by former World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier and number eight Jack Conan, completing a strong and balanced Irish pack.
Farrell has also named an experienced and impactful replacements bench. Rónan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Thomas Clarkson, Tadhg Beirne and Nick Timoney provide the forward cover, while Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki are the backline options available should Ireland need fresh legs in the closing stages.
Saturday’s eagerly anticipated clash will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One and ITV, with kick-off scheduled for 8.10 pm local time in Sydney and 11.10 am Irish time.
Ireland Team to Face Australia
15. Hugo Keenan
14. Rob Baloucoune
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. Jamie Osborne
10. Sam Prendergast
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Tom O’Toole
2. Dan Sheehan (Captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Joe McCarthy
5. James Ryan
6. Cian Prendergast
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan
Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher
17. Jeremy Loughman
18. Thomas Clarkson
19. Tadhg Beirne
20. Nick Timoney
21. Craig Casey
22. Ciaran Frawley
23. Bundee Aki
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