MUNSTER’S BILLY HOLLAND will stand in as captain for tomorrow’s final game of the Tbilisi Cup against Georgia, as head coach Allen Clarke makes nine changes to his side.
Underwhelming but comfortable wins against Emerging Italy and Uruguay have seen Ireland take maximum points so far, but they sign off with arguably their biggest test against the Georgians.
Clarke has shuffled his deck, however, with just six survivors from the win against Uruguay.
Just one change in the front row, as Rob Herring replaces Dave Heffernan, with Munster pair James Cronin and Stephen Archer supporting at prop.
Holland captains the side from the second row, while new Connacht signing Ben Marshall replaces his soon-to-be teammate Andrew Browne.
Eoghan Masterson retains his place in the backrow, but switches from number 8 to flanker in the absence of Rhys Ruddock, while Jack Conan and Dan Leavy join him.
The half-back pairings are switched, Luke McGrath and JJ Hanrahan starting, while Noel Reid retains his place in the centre with Stuart McCloskey returning.
Matt Healy stays on the left wing, with Andrew Conway on the right, while Tiernan O’Halloran is at full-back, Peter Nelson moving to the bench.
Captain Holland says that while it’s an honour to be given the chance to lead the side, Ruddock’s ground work means no real revolution is needed.
“Obviously it’s a very tough one on Rhys, top break his arm three times in a season is hard going, especially in such an innocuous challenge.
“A lot of us wouldn’t have known him, coming over here, he’s one of the fellas you’re trying to beat the head off or most of the season, but he’s a good fella and a great player.
“It’s a shame, but he’ll be back fitter than ever at the start of next season”
“Nothing changes for me, really, but it is a great honour,” he added.
Emerging Ireland:
15. Tiernan O’Halloran (Buccaneers/Connacht)
14. Andrew Conway (Garryowen/Munster)
13. Stuart McCloskey (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
12. Noel Reid (Clontarf/Leinster)
11. Matt Healy (Lansdowne/Connacht)
10. JJ Hanrahan (UL Bohemians/Munster)
9. Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster)
1. James Cronin (Dolphin/Munster)
2. Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
3. Stephen Archer (Cork Constitution/Munster)
4. Ben Marshall (Old Belvedere/Connacht)
5. Billy Holland (Cork Constitution/Munster) captain
6. Eoghan Masterson (Corinthians/Connacht)
7. Dan Leavy (UCD/Leinster)
8. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
Replacements:
16. Dave Heffernan (Buccaneers/Connacht)
17. Denis Buckley (Corinthians/Connacht)
18. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)
19. Andrew Browne (Galwegians /Connacht)
20. Frank Taggart (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
21. John Cooney (Terenure/Connacht)
22. Eoin Griffin (London Irish)
23. Peter Nelson (Malone/Ulster)
OK, I know I’m going to draw the wrath of the LOI supporters but I’m going to ask anyway. After 4 years with Liverpool he ends up at St. Pats. How good could he be?
@Chicken George: he is 19. Did you expect him to be in goal at top level at 19? Becker was 21 before he made his senior debut in Brazil