Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has named his team for the first Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Italy this weekend.
Schmidt has opted for an experimental side with a host of first team regulars left on the sidelines with Leinster flanker Rhys Ruddock set to captain the team from blindside flanker.
New Ulster prop Jack McGrath will partner Rob Herring and Andrew Porter in the front-row while Devin Toner and debutante Jean Kleyn will line out in the second row.
Munster openside Tommy O’Donnell and Ulster number eight Jordi Murphy will join Ruddock in the back-row while Luke McGrath will partner Joey Carbery in the halves.
Here's your Ireland team to play Italy in the first game of the Guinness Series 2019 on Saturday.
2 Uncapped players in the 23 – Jean Kleyn and Mike Haley
Tickets: https://t.co/XtJFyyE9zR#IREvITA #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/fDzm7TMolO
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 8, 2019
Meanwhile in the centres Chris Farrell will partner Garry Ringrose in the midfield while Dave Kearney, Andrew Conway and Jordan Larmour will fill out in the back three.
Ireland will play Conor O’Shea’s side at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday before playing another game against England at Twickenham followed by a double header against defending Six Nations champions Wales.
