Andrew Conway and Niall Scannell are among eight changes made by Joe Schmidt for Ireland’s second test with Australia in Melbourne on Saturday.
The duo join fellow Munster teammates Keith Earls, Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander in the starting lineup. O’Mahony is again named as captain.
Ireland lost 18-9 to the Wallabies in the first test last week and that performance has prompted Schmidt to make wholesale changes.
Scannell’s selection at the expense of Sean Cronin has raised eyebrows in certain quarters but it is believed that he has got the nod due to his scrummaging ability. The scrum was an area of concern in last Saturday’s defeat.
Elsewhere, Conway comes in for Jacob Stockdale, a move which has seen Earls move from right wing to left wing.
Earls came off with a head injury early on in Brisbane but has passed the return to play protocols. Stockdale is out of the squad for this game.
Ireland Down Under. Here's your Ireland team to play @qantaswallabies on Saturday.#AUSvIRL #TeamOfUs #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/RZdSCW2vK1
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 14, 2018
Conor Murray will be partnered by Johnny Sexton at half back with new Munster signing Joey Carbery dropping to the bench.
Scannell will be flanked by Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong in an all new front row, while Devin Toner partners James Ryan at second row.
There is one change in the back row with Dan Leavy coming in alongside Stander and O’Mahony.
Another who will be plying his trade with Munster next season, Tadhg Beirne, is expected to make his Irish debut after being selected among the replacements.
Ireland Team to play Australia: Rob Kearney (Leinster); Andrew Conway (Munster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Keith Earls (Munster); Johnny Sexton (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster); Cian Healy (Leinster), Niall Scannell (Munster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Devin Toner (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster); Peter O’Mahony (Munster, capt), Dan Leavy (Leinster), CJ Stander (Munster).
Replacements: Rob Herring (Ulster), Jack McGrath (Leinster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jordi Murphy (Ulster), John Cooney (Ulster), Joey Carbery (Munster), Jordan Larmour (Leinster).
