Max Deegan to captain Emerging Ireland in tour opener against Griquas

Jack Crowley and Nathan Doak will make up the half-back pairing.

NEW DUTIES: Max Deegan. ©INPHO/Evan Treacy

John Fogarty is hoping that a young Emerging Ireland team can reproduce an impressive week’s preparation on the park in Bloemfontein against the Griquas in what will be the first of three games on tour.

The squad only came together last Friday week and, since arriving in South Africa on Sunday, they have been adapting to the altitude, temperatures that are touching 30 degrees, and the need to find one voice in such a short space of time.