ANDY FARRELL has handed Sam Prendergast his first senior Ireland start for their upcoming Test against Fiji.
Ireland welcome Fiji to the Aviva Stadium in their penultimate Autumn Nations Series clash on Saturday afternoon.
Head coach Andy Farrell named his panel for the game on Thursday afternoon, with Prendergast one of seven changes to the team that beat Argentina.
The Leinster out-half, 21, comes into the starting XV for Jack Crowley, who drops out of the matchday 23 and Ciaran Frawley returning to the bench.
Prendergast is partnered by Craig Casey at scrum-half, with Jamison Gibson-Park also dropping out of the matchday 23.
Jamie Osborne starts at full-back while Bundee Aki returns to centre to partner Robbie Henshaw, and Jacob Stockdale starts on the wing.
Farrell has named two uncapped players in the starting XV with Gus McCarthy coming in at hooker in a front row that also includes Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham.
Cormac Izuchukwu is two second debutant, starting in the back row alongside Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris.
Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne round out the pack in the second row.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Andy Farrell said: “There were signs of improvement last weekend and this week has been about building and embracing the challenge of a talented Flying Fijian side who will be coming over to Dublin full of confidence after their recent displays.
“On Saturday we welcome two new more debutants and I’m delighted for Cormac and Gus who have impressed with their work-rate and application over recent weeks and months.
“They have both performed strongly for their Provinces, brought that good form into the recent Emerging Ireland Tour and are now being rewarded for their efforts.
“We wish them well as they take this exciting next steps in their careers.”
Ireland (vs Fiji): Jamie Osborne, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jack Stockdale, Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey; Andrew Porter, Gus McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Cormac Izuchukwu, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Thomas Clarkson, Cian Prendergast, Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley, Stuart McCloskey.
