Kidney eyes new prospects

Ireland coach Declan Kidney is looking forward to seeing what the next generation of Irish internationals can offer against Canada in Vancouver on Saturday.

"Our aim at the start of this season was to build a squad but with so many experienced players available, it has been difficult for some players to get experiences of their own," said Kidney.

"There is a lot of youth in this backline for Saturday, but with players like Brian (O’Driscoll), Gordon (D’Arcy) and Ronan (O’Gara) being around for so long and winning so many caps, these players have not been able to get the opportunity to get international experience.

"Saturday gives these players that chance to put down a marker to challenge for places and we see this as the start of our preparations for Rugby World Cup 2011 and building a squad for that tournament."