Eight uncapped players in Ireland 23 to face USA

Colin Newboult

Robert Baloucoune of Ulster in action during the European Rugby Challenge Cup match between Harlequins and Ulster Rugby at Twickenham Stoop, London, England on 4th April 2021. (Photo by Juan Gasparini/MI News/NurPhoto)

Andy Farrell has named his Ireland side to face the USA, selecting four new caps in the starting XV and a further four uncapped players on the bench.

James Ryan wears the captain’s armband and is partnered in the second-row by Ryan Baird, who wins his fifth cap in his first start for Ireland.

In the back-row, Caelan Doris switches to the blindside flank to accommodate Gavin Coombes at number eight with the uncapped Nick Timoney lining up at openside.

In the front-row, Tom O’Toole is set to make his international debut alongside Ronan Kelleher and Dave Kilcoyne.

First start for Craig Casey

Craig Casey will make his first start for Ireland and will partner his provincial colleague Joey Carbery at half-back.

Stuart McCloskey retains the inside centre berth and is joined by fellow Ulsterman, debutant James Hume.

Hugo Keenan starts his 13th consecutive game for Ireland and is supported in the back field by Andrew Conway and the uncapped Robert Baloucoune.

The replacements include Dave Heffernan, Ed Byrne, Finlay Bealham, Will Addison and the uncapped quartet Fineen Wycherley, Paul Boyle, Caolin Blade and Harry Byrne.

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 James Hume, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Andrew Conway, 10 Joey Carbery, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan (c), 4 Ryan Baird, 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 1 Dave Kilcoyne
Replacements: 16 Dave Heffernan, 17 Ed Byrne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Fineen Wycherley, 20 Paul Boyle, 21 Caolin Blade, 22 Harry Byrne, 23 Will Addison

Date: Saturday, July 10
Venue: Aviva Stadium
Kick-off: 19:15 BST (18:15 GMT)
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant Referees: Adam Jones (Wales), Ben Blain (Scotland)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)