There are eight changes to the Ireland team (that drew 20-20 with Australia last Sunday) that will take on Fiji this weekend in the second game of the 2009 Guinness Series.
Limerick’s Keith Earls, who replaced the injured Luke Fitzgerald against Australia, retains his place on the left wing with Shane Horgan coming in on the right wing for Tommy Bowe. Gordon D’Arcy comes into the centre and there is a new halfback partnership with Jonathan Sexton earning his first cap at number 10, with Eoin Reddan starting at scrumhalf.
Tom Court starts the game at loosehead prop and Leo Cullen comes into the side to partner Paul O’Connell in the secondrow. There is one change to the back row with Denis Leamy replacing David Wallace.
The biggest news of the week was the injury sustained by Luke Fitzgerald in the second half against Australia. Following medical reviews and scans of his left knee, it has been confirmed that Fitzgerald sustained a ruptured lateral collateral ligament that will require surgical repair and intensive post operative rehabilitation with a projected recovery period of four to six months.
The Fiji game serves as a chance to get systems working for the upcoming South African fixture. No disrespect to Fiji, but Ireland should have enough to win this one. With players such as Horgan, Reddan and Sexton all looking to impress, this game should be a cracker to watch.
Ireland Team to face FIJI at RDS on Saturday. Kick Off 17.15.
Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan, Tom Court, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Leo Cullen, Paul O’Connell, Stephen Ferris, Denis Leamy, Jamie Heaslip.Replacements: Sean Cronin, Tony Buckley, Donncha O’Callaghan, Sean O’Brien, Tomas O’Leary, Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble.
