Andy Farrell urges Ireland to put team needs first after picking eight debutants
Thursday, July 08, 2021
By Ed Elliot, PA
Andy Farrell says Ireland’s debutants must not allow desperation to impress to become detrimental to the team after selecting eight newcomers to face the United States.
Uncapped Ulster quartet Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney, Robert Baloucoune and James Hume have been named in the Irish starting XV for Saturday’s clash in Dublin, while international rookies Paul Boyle, Caolin Blade, Fineen Wycherley and Harry Byrne are among the replacements.
Head coach Farrell has also handed first Test starts to Craig Casey, Ryan Baird and Gavin Coombes having opted to make eight changes to the team which began last weekend’s 39-31 win over Japan.