SM
Barcelona vs. Valencia: 11 hrs 17 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Autumn Nations Cup | Group Stage
Nov 13, 2020 at 7pm UK
 
Ireland
32-9
Wales
Roux (22'), Lowe (80')
FT

James Lowe set for Ireland debut in Autumn Nations Cup opener against Wales

:Headline: James Lowe set for Ireland debut in Autumn Nations Cup opener against Wales: ID:421797: from db_amp
New Zealand-born James Lowe is eligible for Andy Farrell's side under residency rules after joining Leinster in 2017.

Ireland will hand a Test debut to winger James Lowe in Friday's Autumn Nations Cup clash with Wales as part of seven changes.

New Zealand-born Lowe is eligible for Andy Farrell's side under residency rules after joining Leinster in 2017.

The 28-year-old trained with the national team squad ahead of last month's Guinness Six Nations games against Italy and France and has been named on the left flank.

Leinster team-mates Jamison Gibson-Park – another player born in New Zealand – and Ronan Kelleher have been handed maiden Test starts at scrum-half and hooker respectively, while lock Iain Henderson will return from suspension.

Jacob Stockdale has retained his place at full-back, despite an unconvincing display during the costly defeat in Paris on October 31.

Head coach Farrell has also recalled back row pair Peter O'Mahony and Josh Van Der Flier, while Chris Farrell makes a first start at centre since last year's surprise World Cup loss to Japan.

Uncapped Ulster fly-half Billy Burns has been named among the replacements, alongside experienced scrum-half Conor Murray.

Leinster hooker Ronan Kelleher, left, will make his first international start when Ireland host Wales (Ashley Western/PA)

The start of the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup comes just under a fortnight since Ireland's Six Nations title aspirations were ended in the Stade de France.

After hosting Wayne Pivac's side, the Irish will play World Cup finalists England at Twickenham on November 21, Georgia in Dublin eight days later, before finishing the competition at home to one of Scotland, France, Italy or Fiji on December 5.

Lowe's inclusion comes just over a year since he described World Rugby's residency rules as "stupid" and "weird", while also stating it would be an "honour" to represent Ireland.

Having established himself as a key player for his province with 33 tries in 49 appearances, he completes the back three alongside under-fire fullback Stockdale and recent debutant Hugo Keenan.

  • November 13: Ireland v Wales
  • November 21: England v Ireland
  • November 29: Ireland v Georgia
  • December 5: Ireland v Fiji/France/Italy/Scotland

Munster's Farrell will join Robbie Henshaw in midfield, with captain Johnny Sexton winning his 94th cap alongside new half-back partner Gibson-Park, whose two previous international appearances came from the bench in the recent Six Nations matches.

Kelleher returns from a thigh injury in the middle of the front row to make his fourth Test appearance, with Andrew Porter and the experienced Cian Healy either side.

Ulster captain Henderson, who has completed a three-week ban after being sent off for his province, resumes his second-row partnership with James Ryan, while Caelan Doris moves from blindside flanker to the centre of the back row, sandwiched between the returning O'Mahony and Van Der Flier.

Farrell's experimental line-up means regulars Rob Herring, CJ Stander, Bundee Aki and Andrew Conway will be given an evening off.

Munster winger Keith Earls returns from injury to join Murray and potential-debutant Burns on the bench.

amp_article__421797 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-11-10 14:43:56:
html db last update - 2021-03-11 16:54:20 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about James Lowe

Click here for more stories about Ireland

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .