Crowley starts as Ireland make five changes for Portugal Test

Ireland’s interim head coach Paul O’Connell has named Jack Crowley at fly-half among five changes to the starting lineup for Saturday’s Test against Portugal in Lisbon.

The headline news is the inclusion of two debutants. Shayne Bolton of Connacht will start on the left wing, while Alex Kendellen earns his first Test cap at openside flanker.

Crowley’s return to the starting XV comes at the expense of Sam Prendergast, who despite scoring 14 points in Ireland’s 34-5 win over Georgia, has been omitted from the matchday squad entirely. O’Connell’s decision signals a desire for experience and control in the pivot position.

Jacob Stockdale, who started last weekend, has been sent home after sustaining a shoulder injury and requiring specialist attention. Bolton takes his place on the wing, joining a back three that includes Leinster’s Jimmy O’Brien at full-back and Tommy O’Brien on the right flank.

“Shayne has been patient and consistent. This is a deserved opportunity for him,” said O’Connell, who also praised Kendellen’s work ethic and leadership during his Emerging Ireland tenure.

Cian Prendergast, who missed the Georgia Test due to illness, starts at blindside flanker alongside Kendellen and Ryan Baird, who retains his role at No. 8. The second-row pairing features Darragh Murray and Tom Ahern, with the front row made up of Gus McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson, and Jack Boyle.

At half-back, Crowley will partner with Munster teammate and Ireland captain Craig Casey, while Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne continue in the centres.

O’Connell has named a five-three split on the bench. Tom Stewart, Michael Milne, Tom O’Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, and Max Deegan cover the forwards, while Ben Murphy, Ciaran Frawley, and Hugh Gavin are the backline reserves. If called upon, Gavin would become the third debutant of the day.

With the match in Lisbon serving as a critical development step, O’Connell is clearly looking to test combinations and build bench depth as Ireland navigates a busy summer series.

Ireland XV: J O'Brien; T O'Brien, H Gavin, S McCloskey, S Bolton; J Crowley, C Casey (capt); J Boyle, G McCarthy, T Clarkson; T Ahern, D Murray; R Baird, A Kendellen, C Prendergast.

Reserves: T Stewart, M Milne, T O'Toole, C Izuchukwu, M Deegan, B Murphy, C Frawley, C Nash.