Ireland hand Downey Test debut

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Munster centre James Downey will make his debut for Ireland on Saturday against Canada at BMO Field in Toronto.

Munster centre James Downey will make his debut for Ireland on Saturday against Canada at BMO Field in Toronto.

Coach Les Kiss has made a number of changes to the team that beat the USA last week as Downey joins Darren Cave in a new centre partnership in Ireland's final game of the season.

Andrew Trimble will win his 50th cap in a back three that includes Fergus McFadden and Felix Jones.

Up front Tom Court joins the front row while Dan Tuohy forms a new second row pairing with Devin Toner.

Tommy O'Donnell starts having won his first cap last weekend with Kevin McLaughlin and Captain Peter O'Mahony completing the back row.

“We are anticipating a tough game against a very good Canada side that have put together a run of three wins in the Pacific Nations Cup,” said Kiss.

“The experience gained on this tour is invaluable and I have no doubt that the players will respond well in what will be another challenging test.”

Ireland: 15 Felix Jones, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Darren Cave, 12 James Downey, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ian Madigan, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Peter O'Mahony, 7 Tommy O'Donnell, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Dan Tuohy , 3 Mike Ross, 2 Richardt Strauss, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 David Kilcoyne, 18 Declan Fitzpatrick, 19 Mike McCarthy, 20 Chris Henry, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Robbie Henshaw,

Date: Saturday, June 15
Venue: BMO Field, Toronto
Kick-off: 20.00 local (03.00 GMT)
Referee: Leighton Hodges (Wales)