Andy Farrell goes with surprise selection as Ireland team named to play Fiji
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Round 5.
Andy Farrell has named a surprisingly strong Ireland team to take on Fiji at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, with several established names retained.
With South Africa to come the following weekend, Farrell had an opportunity to make sweeping changes. Instead, he has selected an experienced starting XV as Ireland look to build on their bonus-point victory over Argentina.
Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong both start, Jamison Gibson-Park partners Sam Prendergast at half-back, and Ryan Baird and Josh van der Flier flank Nick Timoney in the back row.
Tadhg Beirne will lead Ireland out at the Aviva Stadium for the first time, while Ulster’s James McNabney is in line for his Test debut from the bench.
The selection follows Farrell’s indication that performances against Fiji would influence his thinking for the Springboks encounter, giving those involved plenty to play for.
Mack Hansen switches to full-back, with Robert Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien on the wings. Bundee Aki has recovered from illness to partner Jamie Osborne in midfield.
Up front, Rónan Kelleher joins Porter and Furlong, with James Ryan alongside captain Beirne in the second row.
There is a less experienced look to the forward replacements, where McNabney joins Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Sam Illo and Darragh Murray. Craig Casey, Ciarán Frawley and Stuart McCloskey provide the backline cover.
Ireland team to play Fiji:
15. Mack Hansen
14. Robert Baloucoune
13. Jamie Osborne
12. Bundee Aki
11. Tommy O’Brien
10. Sam Prendergast
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Andrew Porter
2. Rónan Kelleher
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. James Ryan
5. Tadhg Beirne (captain)
6. Ryan Baird
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Nick Timoney
Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart, 17. Tom O’Toole, 18. Sam Illo, 19. Darragh Murray, 20. James McNabney, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Ciarán Frawley, 23. Stuart McCloskey.
