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Stockdale in training earlier today.
Team news

Jacob Stockdale set for Ireland debut as Schmidt names team for opening Test of summer tour

Dave Heffernan, Andrew Porter, James Ryan and Rory Scannell could also make their debuts off the bench.

ULSTER’S JACOB STOCKDALE has been named in Joe Schmidt’s Ireland side to face USA Eagles in New Jersey on Saturday evening, while four players could also make their debuts off the bench.

Stockdale, 21, has been named on the wing for the opening game of Ireland’s summer tour, with uncapped quartet Dave Heffernan, Andrew Porter, James Ryan and Rory Scannell among the replacements.

There is an exciting blend of youth and experience in the XV Schmidt has picked for the game at the Red Bull Arena [KO 10pm Irish time, eir Sport 1] with captain Rhys Ruddock joined in the back row by his Leinster team-mates Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan.

Cian Healy, Niall Scannell and John Ryan make up the front row while Devin Toner is partnered in the second row by Connacht’s Quinn Roux.

With Paddy Jackson unavailable due to personal reasons, the door opens for Joey Carbery at out-half with the 21-year-old set to add to his three caps seven months after his debut in Chicago.

Carbery and Kieran Marmion make up the half-back partnership while Garry Ringrose and Ulster’s Luke Marshall are paired in midfield.

Debutant Stockdale is joined in the back three by Tiernan O’Halloran and Keith Earls, with Simon Zebo forced to settle for a place on the bench and Andrew Conway left out of the matchday 23.

Ireland team huddle The Ireland team huddle after training in New Jersey today. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

The likes of Rory O’Loughlin, Kieran Treadwell and John Cooney will have to wait for their chance to win their first international cap while the other players not involved are James Tracy, Finlay Bealham, Tommy O’Donnell and Jack O’Donoghue.

Following Saturday’s game against USA, Ireland travel to Japan to play two Tests against the Brave Blossoms.

Ireland (v USA):

15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Keith Earls
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Luke Marshall
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Joey Carbery
9. Kieran Marmion

1. Cian Healy
2. Niall Scannell
3. John Ryan
4. Quinn Roux
5. Devin Toner
6. Rhys Ruddock (captain)
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan

Replacements:

16. Dave Heffernan
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. Andrew Porter
19. James Ryan
20. Dan Leavy
21. Luke McGrath
22. Rory Scannell
23. Simon Zebo

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