Doris Secures Spot in Ireland Team But McCarthy Misses Out

Newly reappointed head coach Andy Farrell has included skipper Caelan Doris in his Irish team for the autumn matches, but lock McCarthy misses out.

Doris, who has not played since having a shoulder operation in the start of May, has come back to provincial training, with doubts lingering whether he will be ready to play against the All Blacks in the US on November 1.

Second row McCarthy, on the other hand, was not considered after failing to recover from the foot injury suffered during the first British and Irish Lions Test against Australia in July.

Ulster forward Izuchukwu and Munster winger Calvin Nash are also absent due to injury, and full-back Keenan had already been ruled out after having hip surgery after the Lions tour.

Leinster forward McCarthy - Joe's younger brother - is the sole uncapped member in the 34-player squad, however the Irish Rugby Football Union states new Munster duo Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson and previously capped Connacht winger Bolton will travel to the US as "cover".

Following playing the All Blacks at Soldier Field in a repeat of their previous meeting, the team host the Brave Blossoms, Australia and world title holders the Springboks in Dublin.

"It's an exciting group to the squad and there's an opportunity for the veteran players and for those who made their debuts on the recent tour to the Lelos and the Lobos," commented the coach, who returns to Ireland duty after a break to lead the Lions tour to the southern hemisphere.

In a largely experienced squad, Leinster's Sam Prendergast and the southern club's Crowley will once again compete for the starting number 10 spot. The fly-half role is still available, as Prendergast and Crowley set to face off for the first time in the upcoming URC match at the Dublin venue.

Frawley is the additional number 10 selected with the coach deciding not to calling up the province's Harry Byrne.

At number 9, Farrell has picked Lions tourist Jamison Gibson-Park and Casey, who captained the national side to the summer international victories over Georgia and the Lobos. Additionally, there is a recall for Connacht's Caolin Blade, chosen to teammate Ben Murphy.

Robbie Henshaw, Aki, Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey form an veteran cohort of centre choices. Osborne is a further choice in the midfield, but the youngster is also a frontrunner to deputise for Keenan at number 15.

Outside backs James Lowe, Mack Hansen, Tommy O'Brien and Jacob Stockdale are included. O'Brien shone on his national team debut during the summer with two tries apiece in the wins over Georgia and Portugal.

McCarthy is the only new name in the Ireland pack. The front rower has been in a couple of Leinster's URC United Rugby Championship matches so far and played in the second string's loss by the English in Bristol previously.

McCarthy was selected in caretaker coach Paul O'Connell's summer selection, but did not receive a cap.

Munster second row Ahern, who earned his debut appearances in those Tests, is retained, and veteran Ulster second row Henderson returns after sitting out the summer tour.

Conan, who played in each of the Lions matches during the tour, is set to cover for the captain if the captain does not regain full fitness in time to face the All Blacks.

The Ireland squad will assemble in Dublin on the start of the week before traveling to Chicago on the following day.

Forwards (19): Ahern (Munster), Baird (Province), Finlay Bealham (Province), Beirne (Province), Boyle (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Conan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster, capt), Tadhg Furlong (Province), Iain Henderson (Province), Ronan Kelleher (Province), G McCarthy (Province), P McCarthy (Province), Andrew Porter (Province), C Prendergast (Connacht), Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Timoney (Ulster), van der Flier (Province).

Backs (15): Aki (Province), Caolin Blade (Province), Casey (Province), Crowley (Province), Ciaran Frawley (Province), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Mack Hansen (Province), Henshaw (Province), Lowe (Province), Stuart McCloskey (Province), O'Brien (Leinster), Osborne (Leinster), S Prendergast (Leinster), Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster).

Kick-off times

• The national team v New Zealand, November 1, Soldier Field (20:10)
• The side v Japan, November 8, Dublin (12:40)
• Ireland v Australia, November 15, Dublin (20:10)
• The Irish v South Africa, 22 November, Dublin (17:40)