Jack Crowley starts as Ireland name six changes for Portugal match, with interim head coach Paul O’Connell reshaping his squad for Saturday’s clash in Lisbon while handing opportunities to new faces aiming to impress on tour.
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Crowley Steps In at Out-Half
Jack Crowley will start at out-half, replacing Sam Prendergast, who has dropped out of the match-day squad. Ciarán Frawley returns to the bench for his first appearance since November, providing depth at out-half for the encounter.
Three Debutants Ready to Impress
Three players will make their Ireland debuts in the starting lineup. Connacht’s Shayne Bolton takes Jacob Stockdale’s place on the wing after Stockdale’s injury, bringing power and pace out wide. In the back row, Alex Kendellen earns his first Ireland cap at openside flanker, while Cian Prendergast also steps into the starting team at number 8 after missing last week’s game due to illness.
Hugh Gavin Steps Up in Centre
Connacht’s Hugh Gavin, originally set to debut off the bench, has been promoted to start alongside Stuart McCloskey in the centre following Jamie Osborne’s Lions call-up. The 21-year-old will look to take his chance to establish himself during this tour.
Front Row Stability and Changes in the Pack
The front row remains unchanged from Ireland’s 34-5 win over Georgia, with Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy, and Thomas Clarkson retaining their spots, while Tom O’Toole, Michael Milne, and Tom Stewart provide front-row cover on the bench. Tom Ahern, who made his debut off the bench last week, moves into the starting lineup at lock alongside Darragh Murray, replacing Cormac Izuchukwu, who shifts to the bench. Ryan Baird keeps his place in the team after another strong performance last week.
Familiar and New Combinations in the Backs
Craig Casey will captain the side and partner Crowley in the half-backs, rekindling their Munster connection for Ireland. McCloskey and Gavin will pair up in midfield, with Tommy O’Brien and Jimmy O’Brien continuing on the right wing and at full-back respectively, while debutant Bolton starts on the left wing.
Bench Ready to Make an Impact
The replacements bench includes Tom Stewart, Michael Milne, Tom O’Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, Max Deegan, Ben Murphy, Ciarán Frawley, and Calvin Nash, offering a balanced mix of youth and experience as Ireland look to build on last week’s momentum against Portugal.
