New Zealand-born wing James Lowe will make his much anticipated Ireland debut in Friday’s Autumn Nations Cup opener against Wales as Andy Farrell’s men look to bounce back from a disappointing end to the Six Nations.
Former Maori All Black Lowe, 28, qualifies by residency to play for Ireland, having spent the last three-and-a-half seasons with Leinster where has played a major role in three successive PRO14 titles and a European Champions Cup.
Farrell has made seven changes from the side that needed a bonus point victory over France in Paris on Oct. 31 to seal the delayed Six Nations crown, but fell to a 35-27 defeat that meant both teams missed out to champions England.
Another Irish-qualified Kiwi, Jamison Gibson-Park will make his first start at scrum-half with the experienced trio of Peter O’Mahony, Iain Henderson and Josh van der Flier coming into the pack, alongside young hooker Ronan Kelleher.
Ireland team:
Jacob Stockdale, Hugo Keenan, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Jonathan Sexton,Jamison Gibson-Park, Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony, James Ryan, Iain Henderson, Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy
Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Ed Byrne, Finlay Bealham, Quinn Roux, Will Connors, Conor Murray, Billy Burns, Keith Earls.