JOE SCHMIDT WILL tomorrow name his team to face Fiji in the second of three Guinness Series Tests on Saturday, with several players set to be given the chance to stake their claim in a green jersey.
While the Ireland head coach admitted after the destruction of South Africa last weekend that he might not make as many wholesale changes as people expect, he will use the game to explore the depth of his squad.
Both Dave Kilcoyne and James Ryan are injury doubts and will have to prove their fitness when the squad reconvene at Carton House this evening ahead of tomorrow’s final training session before the team announcement.
It would be a great shame if both were denied the opportunity to impress by injury but the door will be open for several other squad members to showcase their talent on the international stage.
After fine second half cameos last week, Darren Sweetnam, Joey Carbery, Kieran Marmion, Rhys Ruddock and Rob Herring are all expected to start while Chris Farrell could be in line to make his debut in midfield alongside Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey.
The squad’s other uncapped member, Leinster’s Adam Byrne, and Dave Kearney are also pushing for inclusion but there is stiff competition in that back line with Andrew Conway set to switch to fullback.
Up front, Jack McGrath will be recalled after missing out on selection last week while Andrew Porter could make his home debut after featuring the summer tour of USA and Japan.
Dan Leavy, Tommy O’Donnell, John Ryan and Keith Earls have all been ruled out of the sold-out clash with Fiji [KO 5.30pm] through injury.
Schmidt will name his team to face the Pacific islanders at 1.45pm tomorrow.
Who would you like to see involved at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday?
Possible Ireland XV v Fiji:
15. Andrew Conway
14. Darren Sweetnam
13. Chris Farrell
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Joey Carbery
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rob Herring
3. Andrew Porter
4. Ultan Dillane
5. Kieran Treadwell/James Ryan
6. Rhys Ruddock (captain)
7. Jordi Murphy
8. Jack Conan.
Replacements:
16. James Tracy
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. Michael Bent
19. Iain Henderson
20. Sean Reidy
21. Luke McGrath
22. Ian Keatley
23. Dave Kearney/Adam Byrne
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‘Joe told me before the game I was like an aeroplane on the runway, I’m there but I’m not going up’
Big-stage kicking priceless exposure for Joey Carbery
