Canada name team for Ireland clash

Canada coach Kieran Crowley has named Glasgow Warriors prop Kevin Tkachuk in his XV to face Ireland at Thomond Park on Saturday evening.

The 40-times capped front row features in a team captained by hooker Pat Riordan, as the Canucks seek a first victory over their opponents.

‘It is a big test of this team - that is why they are called Tests - and we have to see if the systems we are putting in place will stand up to what Ireland has to offer,’ said Crowley, whose side warmed up for the clash with a 21-13 win over Portugal on Saturday.

Three National Division One players also make the team - Bedford full-back James Pritchard, scrum-half Ed Fairhurst, of Cornish Pirates, and Plymouth Albion flanker Sean Michael Stephen.

Fly-half Matt Evans, who plays for Hartpury College in Gloucester, could make his international debut from the bench.

Canada team to face Ireland at Thomond Park, Limerick on Saturday at 5.15pm:

J Pritchard, C Hearn, B Keys, R Smith, J Mensah-Coker, A Monro, E Fairhurst; K Tkachuk, P Riordan, J Thiel, M Burak, J Jackson, S M Stephen, A Kleeberger, A Carpenter.

Replacements: M Pletch, F Walsh, T Hotson, J Sinclair, M Williams, M Evans, P Mackenzie.