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7 changes for Ireland against Wales, debut cap for Lowe
By Liam Heagney
Andy Farrell has named uncapped James Lowe in an Ireland XV to face Wales on Friday night that shows seven changes from the Six Nations title-losing defeat to France on October 31.
New Zealander Lowe recently qualified under the three-year residency rule and he will now hope to bring his potency with Leinster - 33 tries in 49 matches - into the Test level arena when Ireland begin their four-match Autumn Nations Cup campaign at Aviva Stadium.
The inclusion of Lowe on the left wing has resulted in Hugo Keenan switching to the right wing, with Andrew Conway losing out. Jacob Stockdale holds on at full-back despite his troubled form at the Stade de France.
While it was anticipated that Lowe would debut against the Welsh, less predicted was the dropping of Bundee Aki and Conor Murray, two mainstays of the Joe Schmidt era inherited at the start of 2020 by promoted coach Farrell.
Robbie Henshaw switches from outside centre to Aki's No12 jersey, with Chris Farrell, a replacement in France, in at No13. Jamison Gibson-Park, another Kiwi who qualified under residency, made his debut off the bench in last month's win over Italy and he now stars alongside Johnny Sexton in place of Murray.
In the pack, Ronan Kelleher comes in for a first Test start alongside Leinster teammates Cian Healy and Andrew Porter while Iain Henderson is back from suspension and replaces Tadhg Beirne at lock.
An altered back row sees Peter O'Mahony and Josh van der Flier recalled with Caelan Doris moving to No8. Will Connors and CJ Stander lose out.
The uncapped Billy Burns will be looking to win his first cap as he named in the replacements alongside Murray and the returning Keith Earls. The replacement forwards are Dave Heffernan, Ed Byrne, Finlay Bealham, Quinn Roux and Connors.
IRELAND (vs Wales, Friday)
15. Jacob Stockdale (Ulster/Lurgan) 30 caps
14. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 2 caps
13. Chris Farrell (Munster/Young Munster) 10 caps
12. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 45 caps
11. James Lowe (Leinster) uncapped
10. Jonathan Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 93 caps (capt)
9. Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 2 caps
1. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 100 caps
2. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 3 caps
3. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 28 caps
4. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 55 caps
5. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 28 caps
6. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 69 caps
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 26 caps
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 4 caps
Replacements
16. Dave Heffernan (Connacht/Buccaneers) 3 caps
17. Ed Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 2 caps
18. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 11 caps
19. Quinn Roux (Connacht/Galwegians) 12 caps
20. Will Connors (Leinster/UCD) 2 caps
21. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 83 caps
22. Billy Burns (UIster) uncapped
23. Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 84 caps
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Latest Comments
So you don’t think 2023 WC to 2027 WC with a few RCs and >80% rate along the way would stack up? Three world cups in a row?
We finished 2023 with 85% and a World Cup. On track for 80% in 2024 plus an RC.
Rassie’s the only guy who has any hope of getting close to that AB record.
What was Henry’s record up until 2011? Everyone knows how great the ABs were between 2007 and 2015. But there was a period of building that got them there that seems to get overlooked.
Rassie and Nienaber took a 7th ranked team to number one. Henry inherited the All Blacks. Much easier job.
Go to commentsWatch volley ball if you want a speed game. Part of the appeal of rugby is set plays. Stopping the clock while the ball is in touch is the only change needed. I am from Victoria, having escaped the trauma of living in Brisbane amongst you nuff nuffs!
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