Wing Tommy O'Brien and second row Darrragh Murray have impressed for Leinster and Connacht in the United Rugby Championship Interim Ireland head coach Paul O'Connell has handed debuts to Tommy O'Brien and Darragh Murray for Saturday's Test against Georgia. O'Brien has been in impressive form for United Rugby Championship winners Leinster and starts on the wing, and Jimmy O'Brien and Ulster's Jacob Stockdale complete the back three. The game at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium (18:00 BST) will also see Connacht's Murray handed a first appearance and he will partner Ulster's Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row. There could also be debuts off the bench for props Michael Milne and Jack Aungier, as well as Munster's Tom Ahern and Connacht scrum-half Ben Murphy, who is the son of Ulster head coach Richie. Craig Casey will captain Ireland for the first time in Tiblisi and will partner Sam Prendergast, who gets the nod over Jack Crowley at fly-half. Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne start at centre to complete the back line. Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson make up an all-Leinster front row, Murray and Izuchukwu start at lock and the back row consists of Leinster's Ryan Baird, Ulster's Nick Timoney and Munster number eight Gavin Coombes. Ireland are without 16 players who are on British and Irish Lions duty in Australia, while captain Caelan Doris and centre Robbie Henshaw are absent through injury. Fellow experienced campaigners Iain Henderson and Rob Herring were not considered for selection after campaigns interrupted by injury. "I have been impressed by the application of the squad ahead of this two-Test tour and Saturday's game presents an exciting opportunity for this group of players," said O'Connell. "To Tommy and Darragh, who get the chance to start, as well as the four others who will be ready to make their mark from the bench, I wish them well and the squad are determined to make it a memorable occasion for them and their families. "Though light in terms of international caps in some areas, there's also a nice blend of experience in the squad." O'Connell will be the side's head coach against Georgia and again against Portugal in Lisbon a week later with usual boss Andy Farrell leading the Lions. Farrell has brought his assistants Simon Easterby, John Fogarty and Jason Goodman on tour with him, with O'Connell joined by provincial coaches Denis Leamy, Mike Prendergast and Colm Tucker in their absence. Ireland have won all five of their previous Tests against Georgia but this is the first time they will play a capped game in Tbilisi. Ireland:J O'Brien; T'OBrien; J Osborne, S McCloskey; J Stockdale; S Prendergast, C Casey (capt); J Boyle, G McCarthy, T Clarkson; C Izuchukwu, D Murray; R Baird, N Timoney, G Coombes. Replacements:T Stewart, M Milne, J Aungier, T Ahern, C Prendergast, B Murphy, J Crowley, C Nash.
Ireland debuts for O'Brien and Murray in Georgia
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"O'Brien and Murray Earn Debuts in Ireland's Test Match Against Georgia"
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TruthLens AI Summary
In a significant move for the Irish rugby team, interim head coach Paul O'Connell has named Tommy O'Brien and Darragh Murray to make their international debuts in the upcoming Test match against Georgia. O'Brien, who has been a standout performer for Leinster in the United Rugby Championship, will take his position on the wing, joining a back three that includes Jimmy O'Brien and Jacob Stockdale from Ulster. Meanwhile, Murray, representing Connacht, will debut in the second row alongside Ulster's Cormac Izuchukwu. The match is set to take place at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 BST. There is potential for additional debuts from the bench, including props Michael Milne and Jack Aungier, as well as Munster’s Tom Ahern and scrum-half Ben Murphy, who is the son of Ulster's head coach, Richie Murphy. Craig Casey will captain Ireland for the first time in this match and will partner fly-half Sam Prendergast, who has been chosen over Jack Crowley for this important fixture.
Ireland faces the challenge of competing without 16 players who are currently on British and Irish Lions duty in Australia, alongside injuries to key players such as captain Caelan Doris and centre Robbie Henshaw. The absence of experienced players like Iain Henderson and Rob Herring, who were not selected due to injury concerns, adds further complexity to the squad dynamics. O'Connell expressed his admiration for the squad's commitment leading up to this two-Test tour, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the opportunity for younger players like O'Brien and Murray to showcase their skills on an international stage. This match not only marks a milestone for the debutants but also represents a chance for Ireland to continue their winning streak against Georgia, having secured victories in all five of their previous encounters. The coaching responsibilities for this match and the following game against Portugal will fall to O'Connell, as usual head coach Andy Farrell is currently with the Lions, highlighting a transitional period for the Irish team as they look to build depth and experience within their ranks.
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