Kidney rings the changes for Samoa clash

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named his side to play Samoa on Saturday (kick off 2:30pm).

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made an unprecedented 11 changes to his side ahead of the clash with Samoa on Saturday (kick-off 2:30pm).

Leinster lock Devin Toner will make his first Test start for Ireland alongside Donncha O’Callaghan in the second row.

Luke Fitzgerald switches to full back in place of Rob Kearney with Andrew Trimble filling the wing spot while Paddy Wallace partners Brian O’Driscoll in the centre in place of Gordon D’Arcy.

Ronan O’Gara and Peter Stringer have been rewarded for their performances as impact subs in the defeat to South Africa with starting berths at half-back.

Kidney has selected a new-look front row comprising of Tom Court, who impressed from the bench last weekend, Connacht’s Sean Cronin and Irish test centurion John Hayes.

Denis Leamy and Sean O’Brien replace Stephen Ferris and David Wallace on the flanks while Jamis Heaslip retains the number eight jersey.

Replacements will be named later in the week.

IRELAND (V Samoa): Luke Fitzgerald; Tommy Bowe, Brian O’Driscoll (c), Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble; Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer; Tom Court, Sean Cronin, John Hayes; Donncha O’Callaghan, Devin Toner; Denis Leamy, Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip.

Full report to follow.