NZ-born winger James Lowe will make his much-anticipated Ireland debut in the Autumn Nations Cup opener against Wales, as Andy Farrell's team look to bounce back from a disappointing end to the Six Nations.
Former Māori All Black Lowe, 28, qualifies by residency to play for Ireland, after spending the last three-and-a-half seasons with Leinster, where he has played a major role in three successive Pro14 titles and a European Champions Cup.
Farrell has made seven changes from the side that needed a bonus-point victory over France in Paris on October 31 to seal the delayed Six Nations crown, but fell to a 35-27 defeat that saw both teams miss out to champions England.
Another Irish-qualified Kiwi, Jamison Gibson-Park, will make his first start at scrumhalf, with the experienced trio of Peter O'Mahony, Iain Henderson and Josh van der Flier coming into the pack, along with young hooker Ronan Kelleher.
The other change sees Chris Farrell start at outside centre, while Ulster's Billy Burns, a former England Under-20s flyhalf whose grandfather is Irish, will likely win his first cap off the bench.
Reuters
