International Rugby

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made eleven changes to the side that lost to South Africa for this weekend’s encounter with Samoa at the Aviva Stadium.

Leinster lock Devin Toner makes his first appearance for his country and will partner Donncha O'Callaghan in the second row. Tom Court, Sean Cronin and John Hayes make up a completely new front row, while Denis Leamy and Sean O'Brien have been called into the back row alongside Jamie Heaslip, who retains the number eight jersey.

Luke Fitzgerald makes the switch from wing to full-back, with Andrew Trimble coming into the vacant left wing position.

Paddy Wallace also comes into the team at inside centre to partner captain Brian O'Driscoll, while Munster duo Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer, both used as replacements against South Africa, will form the starting half-back combination.

The replacements bench will be finalised after training on Thursday.

Ireland’s clash with Samoa kicks off in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 13 November at 2.30pm.

Ireland team to face Samoa: Luke Fitzgerald; Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll, Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble; Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer; Tom Court, Sean Cronin, John Hayes; Donncha O'Callaghan, Devin Toner; Denis Leamy, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: To be confirmed later in the week.