Ireland set to unleash three debutants on Portugal

Alex Kendellen, Shayne Bolton and Hugh Gavin will make Ireland debuts in Saturday evening’s match against Portugal in Lisbon.

Munster back-row Kendellen, who led Emerging Ireland on last year’s victorious tour to South Africa, lines up at openside flanker, while Connacht wing Bolton replaces the injured Jacob Stockdale on the left flank.

Connacht back Gavin was initially named on the bench before being upgraded to outside centre following Jamie Osborne’s call up by the British and Irish Lions.

With Osborne departing camp to join the Lions in Australia, Munster wing Calvin Nash has been added to the replacements.

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Fly-half Jack Crowley comes in for Sam Prendergast as part of six changes to the team which began last weekend’s 34-5 win over Georgia. He will partner captain and Munster team-mate Craig Casey.

Cian Prendergast has been selected at number eight after recovering from illness, while Munster lock Tom Ahern will make his first international start following his debut as a replacement in Tbilisi.

Cormac Izuchukwu moves to a bench which includes Ciaran Frawley as number 10 cover, with Sam Prendergast and back-row forwards Nick Timoney and Gavin Coombes joining Stockdale in dropping out of the matchday 23.

Interim head coach Paul O’Connell said: “I have been really pleased with the attitude of the players over the last number of weeks. The dedication and diligence of the squad in testing conditions over in Tbilisi demonstrated the players’ willingness to embrace challenges and hopefully that bodes well again this weekend.

“This Saturday presents another opportunity to go out and try to play our game. Portugal are another impressive emerging side who look to play an exciting brand of rugby and we know that we’re in for another battle hopefully in front of another big crowd of travelling supporters.

“To our three new debutants – Shayne, Alex and Hugh – congratulations on their selection. The team will try to deliver a positive performance for them and their families.”

Ireland team: J O’Brien (Leinster); T O’Brien (Leinster), J Osborne (Leinster), S McCloskey (Ulster), S Bolton (Connacht); J Crowley (Munster), C Casey (Munster, capt); J Boyle (Leinster), G McCarthy (Leinster), T Clarkson (Leinster), T Ahern (Munster), D Murray (Connacht), R Baird (Leinster), A Kendellen (Munster), C Prendergast (Connacht).

Replacements: T Stewart (Ulster), M Milne (Munster), T O’Toole (Ulster), C Izuchukwu (Ulster), M Deegan (Leinster), B Murphy (Connacht), C Frawley (Leinster), H Gavin (Connacht).