Jonathan Sexton will make his Ireland debut in the clash with Fiji at the Royal Dublin Society as one of eight changes to the side that drew with Australia.

The 24-year-old replaces Ronan O'Gara at fly-half as reward for his exploits during Leinster's march to Heineken Cup glory last season and his solid start to the current campaign.

Keith Earls comes in for Luke Fitzgerald on the left wing after the Leinster back was last night ruled out for up to six months with knee ligament damage.

Earls is the only non-Leinster representative in the backline with centre Gordon D'Arcy, Shane Horgan and Eoin Reddan recalled.

D'Arcy replaces Paddy Wallace at inside centre, Horgan comes in for Tommy Bowe on the right wing and Reddan is given the nod ahead of Tomas O'Leary at scrum-half.

Leinster centre Brian O'Driscoll, who celebrated his 100th Test appearance with the match-saving try against Australia, will captain the team for the 58th time.

Ulster's Tom Court starts ahead of Cian Healy at loosehead prop while Leo Cullen partners Paul O'Connell in the second row with Donncha O'Callaghan dropping to the bench.

The final change sees Denis Leamy displace Munster colleague David Wallace at openside.

Uncapped Leinster back row Sean O'Brien features among the substitutes, as does Andrew Trimble, O'Leary and Paddy Wallace.

Head coach Declan Kidney explained his selection by underlining the need to add depth to Ireland's playing resources.

"We talked about building a squad and that's what we're trying to do," he said.

"A lot of the guys getting a go in this team have not played for Ireland for some time.

"You have to show belief in your squad and that's what we've done with the team we've selected."

O'Driscoll backed Sexton, his Leinster team-mate, to make a smooth transition to Test rugby.

"He's a very talented player who puts a lot of thought into his game," he said.

"It's been a big six months for him and he did very well in the Heineken Cup."