Connacht players Robbie Henshaw and David McSharry are two of the possible debutants for the Ireland Wolfhounds when they face the Saxons in Galway on Friday.
Both Henshaw and McSharry have had strong seasons for their province and were called into the overall training squad last week by the Ireland management.
There are a further seven players in the Wolfhounds squad who are uncapped at full international level, but the group can also boast a return to a green jersey for Leinster outside back Luke Fitzgerald after an absence of over a year.
Andrew Trimble, Tom Court and Isaac Boss will also bring a vital level of international experience to the team.
Some of the newer faces called up the Ireland squad have an opportunity to impress this Friday in Galway before the squad to prepare for the opening game against Wales is announced, with Iain Henderson, David Kilcoyne and Michael Bent all included.
The starting team and replacements will be confirmed on Thursday.
Ireland Wolfhounds Squad:
Michael Bent, Isaac Boss, Darren Cave, James Coughlan, Tom Court, Luke Fitzgerald, Declan Fitzpatrick, Iain Henderson, Robbie Henshaw, Paddy Jackson, Ian Keatley, David Kilcoyne, Ian Madigan, Paul Marshall, Kevin McLaughlin, Dave McSharry, Tommy O'Donnell, Rhys Ruddock, Mike Sherry, Lewis Stevenson, Devin Toner, Andrew Trimble, Damien Varley.
Comments
melkdave says...
@ToAll
Cant see the game listed on ESPN this friday -it says Dortmund V Nyremburg .But it is being shown online at
thefirstrow.eu-sport-rugby.html or at least its listed so should be links.
Posted 06:41 25th January 2013
fozza says...
Apparently it's also on ESPN... which I'm not subscribed too!!!
Posted 16:28 24th January 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
Expect Ireland to play smarter and win if they can match the tempo. Think Ford will be a targeted man and this could make or break him. I think this might be why Wigglesworth goes ahead of the more dangerous Simpson. Because Wiggs can play general if needed to give Ford some relief at times.
Posted 14:07 24th January 2013
whatisthis says...
@rugby rockstar.
its on rte 2 in ireland @ 7:30. dnt know whether that helps or whether you can get rte player wherever you are???
Posted 10:56 24th January 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
Melkdave,
Do you know if its being shown on tv or will there be a live feed on the internet?
Posted 11:59 23rd January 2013
paddy91317 says...
paul marshal and madigan could be some class partnership at half back with fitzgerald and henshaw in the backs and henderson and kilcoyne Mike sherry up front gonna hopefully be a fast paced game.
Posted 10:13 23rd January 2013
melkdave says...
@rugby_rockstar
Toaly agre with you on all counts ,its going to be a cracker and a very hard fought game
Posted 21:39 22nd January 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
This'll be a very tough match for England Saxons... but a brilliant match to watch!
Posted 16:36 22nd January 2013