Crowley takes 10 slot as Emerging Ireland side named

Emerging Ireland head coach Simon Easterby has opted for a half-back pairing of Nathan Doak and Jack Crowley for the opening game of their South African tour against the Griquas in Bloemfontein on Friday evening.

The 22-year old Crowley, who will direct operations for Ireland from the No 10 berth, has featured 21 times for Munster in 2021, while Doak, son of former scrum half Neil, will join him in the half-back pairing.

Easterby has selected a back three comprising of Munster full-back Shane Daly, with provincial partner Calvin Nash and Ulster's Robert Balacoune, with two Ireland caps to his name, on the wings.

Leinster's Jamie Osborne and Ulster's Stewart Moore make up the centre pairing.

Leinster's Max Deegan will captain the side from number eight and is joined in the back row by Scott Penny and David McCann.

Joe McCarthy and Tom Ahern are named at lock with Josh Wycherley, Tom Stewart and Thomas Clarkson in the front row.

Emerging Ireland: Shane Daly; Calvin Nash, Jamie Osborne, Stewart Moore, Robert Baloucoune; Jack Crowley, Nathan Doak; Josh Wycherley, Tom Stewart, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, Thomas Ahern, David McCann, Scott Penny, Max Deegan (captain)