Sam Prendergast is set for his first Test start for Ireland against Fiji on Saturday.
The Leinster out-half made his international debut from the bench against Argentina last Friday night, replacing Munster No10 Jack Crowley with 18 minutes remaining.
Crowley started the games against New Zealand and the Pumas but Andy Farrell will shake things up ahead of this weekend’s match, with Prendergast at No10.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell speaks to the press during an Ireland Rugby media conference at Energia Park in Dublin. Pic: Sportsfile
Despite his lack of top-level experience — Prendergast has yet to start a Champions Cup game for his province — the Ireland head coach is set to trust the 21-year-old at Aviva Stadium, partnered by Munster scrum-half Craig Casey.
Bundee Aki, who missed out on the Ireland squad last time out, is also in line for a recall.
Aki’s presence at inside centre could be crucial against a power-packed Fijian midfield of Josua Tuisova and Waisea Nayacalevu.
Bundee Aki. Pic Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
After impressing from the bench in recent weeks, Jamie Osborne is poised to start at full-back, having done well in the No15 shirt against the Springboks in the summer.
Tadhg Furlong has recovered from a hamstring injury and could be included for the first time in this November window while Cian Healy is poised to make his 134th international appearance, thus surpassing Brian O’Driscoll as the most capped Ireland player of all time.
Farrell will confirm his matchday squad at 2pm this afternoon.
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