Brian O'Driscoll insists Ireland are entering an exciting new era with the emergence of their back-row prospects Jamie Heaslip and Stephen Ferris. Heaslip, 22, and Ferris, 21, will make their Test debuts against the Pacific Islands in Dublin tomorrow as Ireland try to complete a clean sweep of victories from their autumn series.

The back row is a position of strength for Ireland and O'Driscoll, who will win his 70th cap, believes they have uncovered two more potential first-team regulars. "Jamie perhaps could have been capped before but he's been given his opportunity now," said the Leinster and Ireland captain. "He had a big season for Leinster last season and this year he has again been a real talisman for the province. He gives us great go-forward. He's an incredibly explosive runner. There was always a real worry that when Victor Costello retired there would be a void at No8. But Jamie came in and plugged that hole immediately. He has a good football brain and he's got plenty of strings to his bow."

Luke Fitzgerald, 19, completes a trio of debutants and the Ulster fly-half Paddy Wallace will make his first start.