Joe Schmidt has made thirteen changes to his XV for Fiji game

Ireland face Fiji on Saturday in their second Autumn International

Only two players who started for Ireland in their record win over South Africa last weekend have kept their place in the starting XV for Saturday’s game with Fiji.

Out of the three fixtures Ireland play this November, the Fiji game was always highlighted as one where Schmidt would possibly experiment most, and that’s exactly the case with the head coach naming a number of new combinations.

Andrew Conway and Devin Toner keep their place, with Conway moving to full back.

Munster’s Chris Farrell is the only test debutant in the side, and he will be partnered by Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey in the centre.

Darren Sweetnam, who made his Irish debut last weekend, will start on the right wing with Dave Kearney coming in on the left.

Kieran Marmion and Joey Carbery make up the half back combination to complete the back line.

Jack McGrath makes his return to the side at loosehead with his Leinster colleague Andrew Porter joining him at tighthead. Rob Herring replaces Rory Best at hooker and Ultan Dillane will form the second with Toner, whilst Rhys Ruddock who captains the side from blindside, will be joined in the all Leinster back row by Jordi Murphy at openside and Jack Conan at No. 8.

Ireland v Fiji: 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 (c), Jordi Murphy, Jack Conan

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

 

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