The Ireland XV for the game against the Barbarians in Gloucester on Tuesday has been named.
Ireland’s most capped player Ronan O’Gara will captain a side that contains a blend of youth and experience. O’Gara is partnered in the half backs by Conor Murray.
Paddy Wallace and Darren Cave form the centre partnership. Keith Earls starts at fullback with the uncapped Craig Gilroy and Simon Zebo make their first start in a senior game on the wings.
Up front Brett Wilkinson and Declan Fitzpatrick will pack down on either side of Mike Sherry in an uncapped front row.
Dan Tuohy and Donnacha Ryan form a new second row partnership at this level while Peter O’Mahony starts at number 8 with John Muldoon and Chris Henry completing the back row.
The game is not being televised by the Barbarians and updates from the game will be available on O2 MatchDay Live on www.irishrugby.ie/live
Ireland XV (Team & Replacements v Barbarians, Kingsholm, Gloucester, Tuesday May 29th, 19:35):
15. Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
14. Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster)*
13. Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
12. Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
11. Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
10. Ronan O’Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster) (CAPTAIN)
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
1. Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians /Connacht)*
2. Mike Sherry (Garryowen/Munster)*
3. Declan Fitzpatrick (Dungannon/Ulster)*
4. Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster)
5. Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
6. John Muldoon (Galwegians/Connacht)
7. Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)
8. Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Replacements:
16. Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
17. Ronan Loughney (Galwegians/Connacht)*
18. Donncha O’Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
19. James Coughlan (Dolphin/Munster)*
20. Paul Marshall (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
21. Nevin Spence (Ballynahinch/Ulster)*
22. Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
