PAUL O’Connell has given Connacht wing Shayne Bolton his first Ireland chance as he is set to start Saturday’s test with Portugal in Lisbon.
Bolton, 25, gets his opportunity after an impressive season at the Sports Grounds, having previously been capped by Ireland A against England in February.
The South African born star – who qualifies for Ireland through his grandmother – lit up Connacht last season where he and Mack Hansen proved a dangerous wing combination.
And he now gets his chance on Ireland’s left wing in a strong back like alongside Leinster duo Tommy O’Brien and Jimmy O’Brien.
Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne start in midfield with Craig Casey leading the team from scrumhalf alongside Munster outhalf Jack Crowley.
The pack also sees a debutant as Alex Kendellan, who also featured against England A in February, in the back row alongside Ryan Baird and Cian Prendergast.
Tom Ahern gets his first start at Lock having come off the bench in Saturday’s 34-5 win over Georgia alongside Darragh Murray with an all Leinster front row of Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson.
O’Connell has also named uncapped Connacht back Hugh Gavin on the bench.
The Ireland interim head coach said: “This Saturday presents another opportunity to go out and try to play our game.
“Portugal are another impressive emerging side who look to play an exciting brand of rugby and we know that we’re in for another battle hopefully in front of another big crowd of travelling supporters.”
Ireland: J O’Brien, T O’Brien, J Osborne, S McCloskey, S Bolton, J Crowley, C Casey; J Boyle, G McCarthy, T Clarkson, T Ahern, D Murray, R Baird, A Kendellen, C Prendergast.
Replacements: T Stewart, M Milne, T O’Toole, C Izuchukwu, M Deegan, B Murphy, C Frawley, H Gavin.
