Joe Schmidt names seriously exciting Ireland team to face Fiji

Joe Schmidt has made 13 changes to his Ireland team for this weekend’s Guinness Series clash against Fiji.

Only Devin Toner and Andrew Conway have been retained in the Ireland XV from last week, with the Munster man shifting to fullback.

Rhys Ruddock captains Ireland and is joined by Leinster teammates Jordi Murphy and Jack Conan in the back row. Dave Kearney and Darren Sweetnam make up the back three with Conway while Chris Farrell and Stuart McCloskey are in one hell of a big midfield.

Andrew Porter gets the start at tighthead, along with Jack McGrath and Ulster hooker Rob Herring. Toner has Connacht’s Ultan Dillane for second row company.

The most exciting call is in the half backs, with Kieran Marmion paired with Leinster livewire Joey Carbey [only his second start in the 10 jersey].

Ireland will take on a Fijian side that were beaten 19-10 by Italy last weekend. The home side start as heavy favourites and will be hoping to follow up with another ruthless performance after their 38-3 dismantling of South Africa.

The game takes place at the Aviva Stadium from 5:45pm on Saturday.

IRELAND 

Andrew Conway

Darren Sweetnam
Chris Farrell
Stuart McCloskey
Dave Kearney

Joey Carbery
Kieran Marmion

Jack McGrath
Rob Herring
Andrew Porter

Ultan Dillane
Devin Toner

Rhys Ruddock (captain)
Jordi Murphy
Jack Conan

Replacements: James Tracy, Cian Healy, Tadhg Furlong, Kieran Treadwell, CJ Stander, Luke McGrath, Ian Keatley, Robbie Henshaw.

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