Depleted Ireland name much-changed side for Georgia test

Wing Tommy O’Brien and lock Darragh Murray will make their debuts for Ireland after interim coach Paul O’Connell named his side to face Georgia in Tbilisi on Saturday, a selection without 16 players on British and Irish Lions duty in Australia.

O’Brien forms a back three with wing Jacob Stockdale and full-back Jimmy O’Brien, with Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne chosen as the centre pairing.

Sam Prendergast is at flyhalf, and scrumhalf Craig Casey will captain the side for the first time.

Gus McCarthy packs down at hooker with props Jack Boyle and Thomas Clarkson either side of him, while Cormac Izuchukwu and Murray are in the second row and No 8 Gavin Coombes forms a loose-forward trio with Ryan Baird and Nick Timoney.

There are a further four uncapped players on the bench in props Michael Milne and Jack Aungier, lock Tom Ahern and scrumhalf Ben Murphy.

"Saturday’s game presents an exciting opportunity for this group of players," O’Connell said. "Craig has taken to captaincy impressively. He’s going to relish leading his country and I know how keen he is to make his mark alongside the rest of the players.

"Though light in terms of international caps in some areas, there’s also a nice blend of experience in the squad."

Ireland have won all five previous tests they have played against Georgia.

Ireland team:

15–Jimmy O’Brien, 14–Tommy O’Brien, 13–Jamie Osborne, 12–Stuart McCloskey, 11–Jacob Stockdale, 10–Sam Prendergast, 9–Craig Casey (captain), 8–Gavin Coombes, 7–Nick Timoney, 6–Ryan Baird, 5–Darragh Murray, 4–Cormac Izuchukwu, 3–Thomas Clarkson, 2–Gus McCarthy, 1–Jack Boyle.

Replacements: 16–Tom Stewart, 17–Michael Milne, 18–Jack Aungier, 19–Tom Ahern, 20–Cian Prendergast, 21–Ben Murphy, 22–Jack Crowley, 23–Calvin Nash.