Andy Farrell: Debutant James Lowe will bring 'extra dimension' to Ireland backline

Jamison Gibson-Park also makes a first start for Ireland

James Lowe prior to the Guinness Six Nations match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The era of the project player may be coming to a close but Andy Farrell is banking on two Kiwis to bring some X-factor to the Ireland side as they get the Autumn Nations Cup underway this Friday against Wales at the Aviva Stadium.

The head coach has made seven changes to the XV that fell short of France in the closing Six Nations game two weekends ago and among the new faces is the Leinster pairing of James Lowe, who makes his debut on the wing, and Jamison Gibson-Park for whom this will be a first start.