Sam Prendergast handed out-half reins for Fiji clash 

There are also starts for uncapped pair Gus McCarthy and Cormac Izuchukwu.

CHANCE TO IMPRESS: Ireland's Sam Prendergast. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has handed Sam Prendergast the out-half reins for Saturday's Autumn Nations Series clash against Fiji at the Aviva Stadium (Kick-off 3.10pm).

Farrell has also included two uncapped players in his starting team, as Leinster hooker and former Ireland U20 Grand Slam-winning captain Gus McCarthy earns a debut in the front row, while Ulster back row Cormac Izuchukwu is selected to start at blindside flanker for his first cap.

After an impressive cameo off the bench in the win over Argentina last week, Jamie Osborne is named at full-back, joining Mack Hansen and Jacob Stockdale in the back-three.

Robbie Henshaw starts, stationed at outside centre, is joined in the midfield by Bundee Aki, while Prendergast - having come off the bench last week - is set for his first Test start in a half-back pairing with Craig Casey, with Jack Crowley handed a rest. 

In the pack, Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham are either side of uncapped hooker McCarthy.

Joe McCarthy continues in the second row and is joined by Tadhg Beirne, who moves forward from the back row, allowing Izuchukwu to come in for his debut at blindside flanker.

Josh van der Flier is named at openside, while captain Caelan Doris is at number eight.

Head coach Andy Farrell, right, and Cormac Izuchukwu before an Ireland Rugby squad training session. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

On the bench, Rónan Kelleher, Tom O'Toole, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson and Cian Prendergast provide the forward options for Farrell, while Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley and Stuart McCloskey are the backline replacements.

"There were signs of improvement last weekend and this week has been about building and embracing the challenge of a talented Flying Fijian side who will be coming over to Dublin full of confidence after their recent displays," said Farrell. 

"On Saturday we welcome two new more debutants and I’m delighted for Cormac and Gus who have impressed with their work-rate and application over recent weeks and months. 

"They have both performed strongly for their provinces, brought that good form into the recent Emerging Ireland Tour and are now being rewarded for their efforts. We wish them well as they take this exciting next steps in their careers."

Ireland: J Osborne; M Hansen, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Stockdale; S Prendergast, C Casey; A Porter, G McCarthy, F Bealham; J McCarthy, T Beirne; C Izuchukwu, J van der Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: R Kelleher, T O’Toole, T Clarkson, I Henderson, C Prendergast, C Murray, C Frawley, S McCloskey.

Fiji: V Karawalevu; J Wainiqolo, W Nayacalevu, J Tuisova, P Loiganimasi; C Muntz, F Lomani; E Mawi, T Ikanivere, L Tagi; M Vocevoce, T Mayanavanua; R M Derenalgi, K Salawa, E Canakaivata.

Replacements: S Matavesi, H Hetet, S Tawake, S Turagacoke, A Tuisue, P Matawalu, V Botitu, S Maqala.