Ireland’s interim head coach, Paul O’Connell, has made notable changes to the lineup for the upcoming Test match against Portugal in Lisbon on Saturday, with Jack Crowley set to start at fly-half. This match will see five alterations, including two debutants: Shayne Bolton, who takes over left wing duties, and Alex Kendellen, who will play openside flank after previously captaining Emerging Ireland on their successful tour in South Africa.
Crowley steps in for Sam Prendergast, who contributed 14 points in Ireland’s recent victory over Georgia but did not make the matchday squad this time. Bolton replaces Jacob Stockdale, who has returned home due to a shoulder injury sustained in that match against Georgia, while Kendellen fills the spot of Nick Timoney in the back row.
Cian Prendergast is set to start after recovering from an illness that sidelined him during the Georgia Test. He joins Ryan Baird among the loose forwards, with Darragh Murray and Tom Ahern as locks, and Gus McCarthy packing down with props Thomas Clarkson and Jack Boyle in the front row.
In the backline, Crowley will team up with captain Craig Casey as the halfback pair. Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne will serve as the starting centers, while the back three features Bolton, Jimmy O’Brien at full-back, and right wing Tommy O’Brien.
O’Connell has chosen a classic five-three split for the replacements bench, which includes forward reserves Tom Stewart, Michael Milne, Tom O’Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, and Max Deegan. The backline cover includes Ben Murphy, Ciaran Frawley, and Hugh Gavin, who could earn his first Test cap if he takes the field.
Regarding the upcoming match, O’Connell expressed his satisfaction with the players’ commitment in recent weeks, particularly highlighting their determination demonstrated under challenging conditions. He anticipates another tough contest against Portugal, a side that has been making waves with their exciting style of play. O’Connell congratulated the three debutants and emphasized the team’s aim to deliver a positive performance for them and their families.
The match details are as follows:
– **Date:** Saturday, July 12
– **Venue:** Estadio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon
– **Kick-off:** 19:00 BST (18:00 GMT)
– **Referee:** Adam Leal (England)
The team looks to build momentum with these fresh faces as they face an invigorated Portugal, promising a competitive and engaging match ahead.