McCarthy has been named at hooker, while Izuchukwu takes the flanker position as head coach Andy Farrell introduces several changes to the team that defeated Argentina.


McCarthy has gained significant game time this season, stepping up for Leinster and Emerging Ireland due to injuries to Dan Sheehan and Rónan Kelleher. His performances have earned him this opportunity.


Izuchukwu, meanwhile, has built on his strong form with Ulster during the latter half of last season and continued to impress under Richie Murphy this year.


In the backline, Sam Prendergast earns his first start for Ireland at fly-half after debuting off the bench last Friday. He pairs up with Craig Casey at half-back.


Bundee Aki returns to the starting lineup, partnering Robbie Henshaw in the midfield. On the wings, Jacob Stockdale is rewarded for his excellent form with Ulster, while Mack Hansen completes the back three alongside Jamie Osborne, who starts at full-back in place of Hugo Keenan.


Among the replacements, Iain Henderson rejoins the squad after signing a new contract with Ulster earlier this week. Cian Prendergast will be hoping to take the field alongside his brother Sam.


Ireland team to face Fiji:

Starting XV: Jamie Osborne (Leinster); Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Bundee Aki (Connacht), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster); Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster); Andrew Porter (Leinster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht); Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Munster); Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster, capt).


Replacements: Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), Conor Murray (Munster), Ciarán Frawley (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster).



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Hello reader, I'm Ben. I love to write and talk about sports and I am, unfortunately, hopeless at golf. Thanks for reading! 

Ben Lynch