Opportunity knocks for Ireland’s young stars in testing Canada clash

IRELAND’S next generation of potential Test stars are determined to make their mark in today’s summer tour opener against Canada (10pm Irish time).

The Vancouver clash, coming just two months after Ireland’s Grand Slam success, will see six players make their senior debuts for Ireland from kick-off and a further five could do likewise off the replacements bench.

Head coach Declan Kidney’s long-stated ambition since being appointed a year months ago is to create more competition for places in the squad and a match like this, against the world’s 15th-ranked team, is an ideal chance to blood youngsters.