Tkachuk, Riordan and Thiel to lead Canada on Saturday
Coach Kieran Crowley will look to an experienced front row of Kevin Tkachuk, Pat Riordan and Jon Thiel to lead the charge against Ireland at Thomond Park on Saturday.
"The new guys have been great - getting stuck right in - and understanding what we are trying to achieve," said Crowley.
"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."
"It's not enough to just turn up and put the jersey on, you have to believe in the guys in that locker room - and know they will be there for you when things get tough. These guys aren't there yet - but I sense they are getting close," he added.
CANADA (v Ireland): 15 James Pritchard; 14 Ciaran Hearn, 13 Bryn Keys, 12 Ryan Smith, 11 Justin Mensah-Coker; 10 Ander Monro, 9 Ed Fairhurst; 1 Kevin Tkachuk, 2 Pat Riordan, 3 Jon Thiel, 4 Mike Burak, 5 Josh Jackson, 6 Sean-Michael Stephen, 7 Adam Kleeberger, 8 Aaron Carpenter.
Replacements: 16 Mike Pletch, 17 Frank Walsh, 18 Tyler Hotson, 19 Jebb Sinclair, 20 Morgan Williams, 21 Matt Evans, 22 Phil Mackenzie.
