Ireland make 10 changes for Samoa encounter

Devin Toner will win first cap against Samoa

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made 10 changes from the side that was outfought against South Africa on Saturday.

A late Ronan O'Gara inspired rally helped Ireland to a flattering 21-23 defeat. But the hosts were thoroughly outplayed all over the field, particularly in the set-piece.

To bolster those line out options, Devin Doner will come in for his first cap in place of Mick O'Driscoll. The 6' 10" Leinster forward's performances this season had propelled him into contention, in many peoples eyes, for the opening test of the Guinness series. But he was overlooked in favour of O'Driscoll's experience. Donncha O'Callaghan will partner him as one of only five men to survive the cull.

Ahead of them, it's all change as John Hayes returns to the fold and will win his 103rd cap by replacing Tony Buckley who misses the rest of the month's fixtures with a hip injury. 

Rory Best, having taken responsibility for a malfunctioning line-out, will be replaced by Connacht's Sean Cronin at hooker. While Tom Court comes in for Cian Healy at loose-head prop.

In the back line, Rob Kearney, who suffered a knee injury before scoring his country's second try, is replaced by provincial colleague Luke Fitzgerald. His spot on the left wing is filled by Andrew Trimble.

Having jump-started the team with 12 points after their belated introduction, Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer will occupy the half back roles ahead of Paddy Wallace, introduced to partner captain, Brian O'Driscoll in the centre.

The Irish Rugby writers player of the year; Tommy Bowe, holds on to his right wing position following yet another touchdown and Jamie Heaslip will be flanked by Denis Leamy and Sean O'Brien in the back row.

Despite a new role for Fitzgerald and the presence of some inexperienced forwards, there remains a familiar look to the selection and many fans will feel the opportunity of giving extra experience to up and coming talent is not being maximised.

However, the IRFU is currently deeply entrenched in a ticketing fiasco of its own making and must put big names on the stage to attract a crowd to the new Lansdowne Road. Which, after 15,000 empty seats were on view, was described as being 'not so much a fortress as a library.'

But that will be far from the mind of Toner. The 24 year old debutante said that he is:

"Delighted to be selected...over the moon. I'm just excited now and can't wait for the game."

The lock added that, although he was hopeful of making the step up from being an Ireland A regular, to the senior side, the call still came as a surprise;

"I found out yesterday when the team was announced. I wasn't told beforehand, so I got a bit of a shock.

"I've been involved in Irish squads before. You're always kinda hoping to get selected. When I saw the four games for this series, I was hopeful (of getting a first cap).

"I'm very pleased to get the call and just looking forward to playing now."

Elsewhere, England hooker Dylan Hartely will start against Australia in the only change from the side which fell to a 16-26 to New Zealand.

England managed to beat the Wallabies on their summer tour down under and will be looking to follow up that success at home. Particularly after watching the Gold scrum creak and crumble in their 25 -16 victory over Wales.

IRELAND (v Samoa): L Fitzgerald; T Bowe, B O'Driscoll (capt), P Wallace, A Trimble; R O'Gara, P Stringer; T Court, S Cronin, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, D Toner, D Leamy, S O'Brien, J Heaslip.