The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are set to take on Ireland this weekend in a highly anticipated Autumn Nations Series match at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Sunday, 24 November. Kick-off is at 3:10am Fiji Time, with both teams eager to showcase their strength and skill.

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland Men’s Match Day Squad for the clash, which will be a sold-out event. 

The squad includes two uncapped players, Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy, who earns his debut in the front row, and Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu, selected to start at blindside flanker. McCarthy, who was initially named in the squad as a training panellist, has impressed Farrell and the coaching team with his performances during recent training camps in Portugal and the Autumn Nations Series. Izuchukwu, who toured South Africa with Ireland’s Summer Tour squad and was part of the Emerging Ireland Tour, also gets his first Test start.

Farrell has also made other changes in the backline, with Jamie Osborne making his first start at full-back after an impressive cameo against Argentina last week. Osborne will join Mack Hansen and Jacob Stockdale in the back three, while Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki will partner in the midfield. Sam Prendergast, who will make his Test debut, is paired with Craig Casey in the half-back pairing.

In the forward pack, Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham will play either side of McCarthy in the front row, with Joe McCarthy continuing in the second row alongside Tadhg Beirne, who moves from the back row to accommodate Izuchukwu. Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris complete the back row, with van der Flier starting at openside.

On the bench, Ireland will have plenty of forward options, including Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson, and Cian Prendergast, while Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley, and Stuart McCloskey provide the backline replacements.

Speaking ahead of the game, Andy Farrell highlighted the challenge posed by the Flying Fijians, who have been in impressive form recently. 

“There were signs of improvement last weekend, and this week has been about building and embracing the challenge of a talented Flying Fijian side,” Farrell said. 

“We’re delighted to welcome two new debutants, Cormac and Gus, who have worked hard to earn their spots and are now being rewarded for their efforts.”

For the Flying Fijians, the team, captained by Tevita Ikanivere and featuring vice-captain Waisea Nayacalevu, will be looking to build on recent strong performances. 

Key players like Josua Tuisova, Frank Lomani, and Caleb Muntz will play pivotal roles as Fiji faces one of the top teams in the world. 

The full starting line-up for Fiji includes Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere (C), Luke Tagi, Mesake Vocevoci, Temo Mayanavanua, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Ponipate Loganimasi, Josua Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu (C), Jiuta Wainiqolo and Vuate Karawalevu.

The bench for the Flying Fijians features Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Setareki Turagacoke, Albert Tuisue, Peni Matawalu, Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqala, who will all provide impact and fresh energy throughout the match.

Both teams have fielding strong line-ups and are targeting to build on their recent successes.

Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as the Flying Fijians take on Ireland in Dublin this Sunday.