Ireland has named 21-year-old Leinster fly-half Sam Prendergast to start against England in their opening Six Nations match on Saturday, with interim head coach Simon Easterby placing his trust in the young talent.
Prendergast, who impressed in November Tests and Leinster’s Champions Cup campaign, gets the nod over Jack Crowley, last year’s Six Nations-winning playmaker, who is on the bench.
Ryan Baird returns to the back row, shifting Tadhg Beirne to lock to cover for the injured Joe McCarthy.
Garry Ringrose replaces Robbie Henshaw at outside centre, while Ronan Kelleher retains his starting hooker spot over a returning Dan Sheehan.
Tadhg Furlong remains sidelined, with Finlay Bealham continuing at tighthead. Ireland faces a tough challenge against an England side they lost to at Twickenham last year, with Easterby emphasizing the need for a strong performance from the start.
Ireland team to face England
Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Bealham; Ryan, Beirne; Baird, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).
Replacements: Sheehan, Healy, Clarkson, Henderson, Conan, Murray, Crowley, Henshaw.
