COACH SIMON EASTERBY has named a much-changed team as Emerging Ireland face Toyota Cheetahs.
The Irish side are unbeaten so far in their tour of South Africa, having picked up wins against Griquas (54-7) and the Pumas (28-24).
However, they will face a stern test on Sunday (kick-off 2pm Irish time, live on IrishRugby.ie) against a Cheetahs side set to include Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn.
Max Deegan is named captain, coming in alongside John Hodnett and Cian Prendergast in the backrow.
Tom Ahern and Joe McCarthy feature at lock with Michael Milne, Tom Stewart and Thomas Clarkson selected in the front row.
Nathan Doak and Jack Crowley are the half-back pairing while Stewart Moore and Jamie Osborne are the centres.
A back three of Robert Baloucoune, Calvin Nash and Shane Daly complete the starting XV.
Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, Roman Salanoa, Brian Deeny, James Culhane, Ben Murphy, Jake Flannery and Chay Mullins have all been named among the replacements.
Emerging Ireland v Toyota Cheetahs:
15. Shane Daly (Munster/Cork Constitution)
14. Calvin Nash (Munster/Young Munster)
13. Jamie Osbourne (Leinster/Naas)
12. Stewart Moore (Ulster/Malone)
11. Robert Baloucoune (Ulster/Enniskillen)
10. Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution)
9. Nathan Doak (Ulster/Banbridge)
1. Michael Milne (Leinster/UCD)
2. Tom Stewart (Ulster/Ballynahinch)
3. Thomas Clarkson (Leinster/Dublin University)
4. Joe McCarthy (Leinster/Dublin University)
5. Tom Ahern (Munster/Shannon)
6. Cian Prendergast (Connacht)
7. John Hodnett (Munster/UCC)
8. Max Deegan (Leinster/Lansdowne) (c)
Replacements
16. Diarmuid Barron (Munster/Garryowen)
17. Josh Wycherley (Munster/Young Munster)
18. Roman Salanoa (Munster/Shannon)
19. Brian Deeny (Leinster/Clontarf)
20. James Culhane (Leinster/UCD)
21. Ben Murphy (Leinster/Clontarf)
22. Jake Flannery (Ulster/Ballynahinch)
23. Chay Mullins (Connacht/IQ Rugby)
Frawley got alot of attention ahead of the tour and even more so after he was injured to do with the validity of the tour. But 2 games with Ahern and McCarthy packing down together has been fantastic to see. With the right Ireland played last week, I think it’s already proved it worth. And after dismal RWC campaign after another I don’t think we should be so quick to critique diff approaches over the next year or so
Thought that Izuchukwu was very good the other day and a little unlucky to miss out
@Aidan Prior: surprised yea
Surprised no Frisch alongside Moore
@Gary Galligan: or even make the bench. I felt that he probably tried a little too hard on Wednesday, looking for the spectacular option which didn’t really come off an a few occasions. He also had one terrible kick that went out on the full.
A strong team and bench, should make them the fifth province.
@thesaltyurchin: could genuinely be the Irish first team in 7-10 years time
strongest team with maybe only 3 debatable picks here. Should be a cracker