Tadhg Furlong will be captaining Ireland against Fiji for the first time in a career.
The tighthead prop will win his second international cap. Regular skipper Johnny Sexton will be dropped from the starting side.
Joey Carbery could be the next to make his first start since February.
Stuart McCloskey, who has been released from an arm injury suffered in Saturday’s win against South Africa, is expected to return to the field.
Furlong made his debut in 2015 and has been a top tighthead in rugby since. He has twice toured with the British Lions and the Irish Lions.
After injuring his ankle against the Springboks, he was doubtful for the Fiji match. However, he was declared fit and handed the captaincy to Andy Farrell.
He stated, “It is class.”
“It’s something I never thought was on my radar, to be honest. This kind of opportunity is exceptional.
Furlong signed a three-year contract with the IRFU in November and was drafted into Farrell’s new leadership group after the 2019 World Cup.
Leinster Forward Leinster admitted feeling initially unsure of his place in the group. However, he has slowly accepted the role.
“A time was when players were very much in control: do your job. He continued, “Disable your blinkers and get on with your business.”
“But I think people are changing and rugby has certainly changed in that regard, in terms of a more holistic holistic environment.
“Wanting people to give their opinions, wanting people being themselves, wanting to know and not be afraid asking for advice. Being vulnerable is a part of my life.”
McCloskey “waited for the opportunity”
Centre McCloskey was one of Ireland’s most outstanding performers in the opening stages against Springboks, before he entrapped a nerve in the arm in a collision that forced him to leave after 26 minutes.
The injury was not as severe as originally feared and he will now be able to return for a second week.
He said that although he was disappointed, things had improved and it is now looking good for the week ahead.
“I was satisfied with the 26 minutes I spent on the pitch, so I suppose that I can take solace from that.
“I think one of the things I have done well at provincial is to play well every week. So hopefully, that’s the case here.”
Because of the difficulty Robbie Henshaw had found international opportunities, and Bundee Akie’s consistent performance, the Ulster centre was hoping for a great opportunity against South Africa.
McCloskey’s international debut was in 2016 and he only made five appearances in Ireland before Saturday’s match.
“When I was going away, I was just imagining.” [that] He reflected that he had waited six years to play against another tier-one team.
“I feel like I’ve played at a similar level to them” [Aki and Henshaw] Club-wise for a very long time
“I always imagine if I were Andy.” [Farrell]If I was not leaps and bounds ahead of my fellow teammates, why would I want to change the team?
“I could have left years earlier and not been worried about playing for Ireland. But, I always wanted the opportunity to show everyone that I am capable of doing it at this level.”