Ireland Rugby
Schmidt names three fresh faces in squad
ESPN Staff
October 23, 2013
Dave Kearney has been called up by Ireland © PA Photos
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Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has named three uncapped players in his 34-man party for the November Tests.

Their games against Samoa, Australia and New Zealand will give Schmidt his first opportunity to take charge of Ireland after he took on the role ahead of this season. He has kept the faith with veteran Brian O'Driscoll but has left out David Kilcoyne, Andrew Trimble and Paul Marshall.

He has used the opportunity to blood three uncapped players with Leinster's Dave Kearney and Jack McGrath given the nod alongside Munster's James Coughlan. Stephen Ferris, Richardt Strauss, Tommy O'Donnell, Jordi Murphy and Simon Zebo were not considered due to injury.

With just two years until the World Cup, places are up for grabs and Schmidt has picked his players based on form and Test pedigree

"The squad combines players who have shown form in the domestic season mixed with those who have a proven record at international level," Schmidt said. "As always there were some very difficult decisions. Some players have had limited opportunity to impress due to injury and others have performed very well and it was difficult to leave them out."

Ireland squad:

Forwards: Stephen Archer, Rory Best, James Coughlan, Tom Court, Sean Cronin, Declan Fitzpatrick, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry, Mike McCarthy, Jack McGrath, Kevin McLaughlin, Sean O'Brien, Paul O'Connell, Peter O'Mahony, Mike Ross, Mike Sherry, Devin Toner, Dan Tuohy.

Backs: Isaac Boss, Tommy Bowe, Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Paddy Jackson, David Kearney, Rob Kearney, Ian Madigan, Luke Marshall, Fergus McFadden, Conor Murray, Brian O'Driscoll, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton.

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