mens
nations-championship
Andy Farrell invited Jamison Gibson-Park and Bundee Aki to his Ireland side for Saturday Nations Championship clash with Fiji, while Nick Timoney was given a start at No.8 in one of the most attractive selection calls.
Ireland go into the match at the Aviva Stadium looking to build on last weekend’s extra-point victory over Argentina, but Farrell was forced to make at least one change after Dan Sheehan suffered concussion.
Whore remains in return-to-play protocols, paving the way for Ronan Keleher to start in the front row.
The return of Gibson-Park provides a significant boost for the hosts. The experienced scrum-half is back alongside Sam Prendergast at half-back after missing out against Argentina.
Farrell also welcomed back veteran center Akio, who is back from an illness. The 72-cap Connacht midfielder steps right into midfield alongside Jamie Osborne, adding experience against a Fiji a team that suffered a 54-17 loss France last weekend.
It is 36-year-old Akio’s first start for Ireland since their defeat by the Springboks last November.
Elsewhere, Timoney moves from blindside flanker to No.8 while Farrell changes his back row. Ryan Baird continues at six, while Josh van der Flier regains the open position after coming off the bench against Argentina.
In the back three, Mack Hansen was named at full back and Robert Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien were selected on the wings.
Up front, Andrew Porter, Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong do all-Leinster first row. James Ryan partners captain Tadhg Beirne in the second row.
Beirne will lead Ireland for the first time at the Aviva Stadium.
There is also a look for a new cap from the bench, with Ulster lock James McNabney is included among the substitutes and is in line to make his Test debut.
The bench features Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray and McNabney as substitute forwards, while Craig Casey, Ciarán Frawley and Stuart McCloskey covered the back line.
Ireland: 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 Ronan 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.