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Declan Kidney: optimistic. INPHO/Dan Sheridan

'It's a vote of confidence in the fellas we've picked. They deserve their go' - Kidney

Ireland’s head coach has picked three uncapped players for Saturday’s clash with Fiji.

DECLAN KIDNEY SAYS the inexperienced players brought into his team for Saturday’s meeting with Fiji have earned their opportunity to show what they can do.

Ireland’s head coach named his starting XV for this weekend’s non-cap international at Thomond Park this afternoon and has gone with a new-look side which includes three uncapped players – Ulster’s Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy and Paddy Jackson.

Conor Murray, Mike Ross and captain Jamie Heaslip are the sole survivors from Saturday’s defeat to South Africa.

Speaking at this afternoon’s press conference, Kidney said: ”We know that it will be a full test for us and it’s a vote of confidence in the fellas that we’ve picked.

“These lads who are playing have been training really well over the course of the last two and a half weeks and we feel they deserve their go.”

Ireland go into the game on the back of a 16-12 loss to the Springboks at the Aviva Stadium but when asked whether spirit in the camp might be low because of that, Kidney responded: “Nobody likes losing a match but the spirit is actually really good.

The lads will have a better answer to that than myself but I couldn’t be asking any more of them. There hasn’t been a second in training where they’ve slacked off the work. They’re enthusiasm is actually quite infectious.

“Training has been brilliant and the craic around the camp is the same as it always is. There are too many pros there who don’t want to be just playing matches and getting losses.”

The IRFU are offering free admittance into Thomond Park for children on the day in a bid to bring in a decent crowd and Kidney added that it is up to the players to give them something to cheer about.

“These are different times compared to three of four years ago when you could fill Croke Park. People have to be more sparing with their money and we understand that.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s one or 26,000 at Thomond, it’s up to us to give them something to row in behind and that’s what we’ll try to do.”

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12 Comments
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    Mute howsaboutya
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    Nov 15th 2012, 2:50 PM

    He should resign, too many lost games in a row. We need higher standards if we are to compete at the highest levels. No coach would be kept on any of the national teams we aspire to beat with a losing streak he is on.

    Downward spiral since the grand slam 3 seasons ago…

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    Mute Richard Crompton
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    Nov 15th 2012, 6:00 PM

    Incredible!! Kidney has a prime chance to actually see what Simon Zebo can fill in at full back and what does he do, picks Dennis Hurley a guy who should never be near an Irish squad. The lad can’t even get in an average Munster backline so what makes him good enough for Ireland ahead of Madigan?? Kidney is so frustrating, Conor Murray again why will you not give Marshall a go at scrum half from the start?? Ahhhh so frustrating.

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    Mute Neil McAuley
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    Nov 15th 2012, 4:11 PM

    Agree with the previous comment. Kidney must go. It’s ridiculous that himself and Trapattoni are still in their jobs as 2012 has been a dreadful year for both of them. We may not be world beaters in either code but are undoubtedly capable of much better.

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    Mute Steve O'Brien
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    Nov 15th 2012, 8:02 PM

    Would love to see Conor O’Shea have a go.

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    Mute Michael McCambridge
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    Nov 15th 2012, 6:57 PM

    conor Murray ……wtf

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    Mute James Clarke
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    Nov 15th 2012, 5:02 PM

    Why would anyone thumb down a comment saying kidney should go? Honestly can someone give me a reason why he deserves to stay in the job? Our record for a long time now is horrendous, we aren’t playing good rugby and his selection policy repeatedly looks very suspect. He appears lost of ideas and Irish rugby, I fear, will only fall lower with him at the helm

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    Mute Conor O'Loughlin
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    Nov 15th 2012, 8:04 PM

    Has to go if Argentina beat us!!

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    Mute Neil McAuley
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    Nov 15th 2012, 9:19 PM

    Argentina comprehensively defeated Wales last weekend, so a victory for the Pumas should surprise nobody – especially when the players we are missing through injury is taken into account.

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    Mute James Patrick Smith
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    Nov 15th 2012, 7:28 PM

    Kidney should go Ireland have gone down hill with him as coach.I predict another poor 6nations campaign (hope I’m wrong)

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    Mute Conor O'Loughlin
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    Nov 15th 2012, 9:46 PM

    How can people disagree with their red thumbs down! if the pumas beat us he should hand himself into Vincents hospital for a well over due kidney transplant..

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    Mute Marty
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    Nov 15th 2012, 11:53 PM

    Change the record: the IRFU will only wait till his contract is up before replacing him, as they cannot afford to pay him off. Kidney himself will not step down, as he no doubt believe’s he can still direct the team to back to winning ways, as any self respecting coach would… I would have replaced him by now if I was in charge

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Nov 16th 2012, 7:00 AM

    Any self respecting coach would step down with the results he has produced.
    A self serving coach will stay put and continue downward spiral we are on.
    The man once a hero is quickly turning into the man who brings Ireland out of the top10 teams on the world.

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