This is the Ireland team we want to see start against Fiji

Just the 13 changes to the team that hammered South Africa.

Fiji will provide a tough challenge and even though they lie above Argentina in the rankings, next Saturday should see Joe Schmidt experiment with his starting XV somewhat.

Schmidt, who claimed he is now “Fiji-focused” after Ireland’s 38-3 victory over the Springboks, is expected to make a raft of changes while insisting they build on a positive start to the Guinness Series.

The squad we have selected contains many of the players we expect Schmidt to go with, and a couple of big calls of our own. Don’t be surprised to see the likes of Tadhg Furlong, Johnny Sexton and Rob Kearney having some sort of involvement when the Fijians come to town.

Our starting line-up has two Ulstermen that started against the Boks. Captain Rory Best had another fine game in the (charcoal and) green jersey while Jacob Stockdale could benefit from another game in Test rugby if, as hoped, he is to be our left winger for the 2018 Six Nations.

Aside from that, it’s all change. Jack McGrath was a surprise omission from the Ireland squad, for South Africa, but how good would it be to welcome a Lion back into the pack? We’re giving Furlong next weekend off and Munster’s John Ryan gets the start.

Ultan Dillane [23rd man on Saturday] and Leinster’s James Ryan would be our second row pairing, and an exciting, physical one at that. In the back row, Rhys Ruddock deserves a start, as does Jack Conan. If Tommy O’Donnell’s shoulder is deemed in decent enough nick, he gets the No.7 jersey. If not, well it’s lucky that we have Dan Leavy to call on. Sean O’Brien is an option too as he could do with another run-out before the Argentina game.

Half backs are Kieran Marmion and Ian Keatley, although many will be calling for Joey Carbery to get another run at No.10. It is worth noting, though, that Carbery did not shoot the lights out in the role against the USA, in the summer, and has not had much game-time there for Leinster this season.

Darren Sweetnam is on the right wing, with Stockdale and Carbery completing the back three.

In midfield, Stuart McCloskey surely must start as he has been in good form for Ulster and is worth another look during the Schmidt reign. We are resting Henshaw up to give 6-foot-5 Chris Farrell an Ireland debut at outside centre.

Just in case Fiji, who lost 19-10 to Italy on Saturday, prove tricky, the bench is stacked with quality options.

IRELAND 

Joey Carbery

Darren Sweetnam
Chris Farrell
Stuart McCloskey
Jacob Stockdale

Ian Keatley
Kieran Marmion

Jack McGrath
Rory Best (captain)
John Ryan

Ultan Dillane
James Ryan

Rhys Ruddock (captain)
Tommy O’Donnell/Dan Leavy
Jack Conan

Replacements: James Tracy, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Kieran Treadwell, Dan Leavy/Sean O’Brien, Luke McGrath, Johnny Sexton, Andrew Conway.

*Let us know who you would go with against Fiji on our social media channels

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