Four debutants as Ireland make nine changes for Japan clash

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has rung the changes for Saturday’s Nations Championship encounter with Japan in Newcastle, Australia, making nine alterations to the side that beat Australia 33-31 in the tournament opener.

Connacht number eight Sean Jansen will make his Test debut from the start, while fellow Connacht players Billy Bohan and Sam Illo are set to earn their first caps as replacement props. Ulster back-row Bryn Ward has also been named on the bench for his international bow.

New faces and captaincy honour

Munster forward Tadhg Beirne will captain Ireland from the start for the first time, with tour skipper Dan Sheehan among several senior players rested ahead of next week’s blockbuster clash with the All Blacks in Auckland. Forwards Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy and Josh van der Flier and backs Jamison Gibson-Park, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose and Hugo Keenan have also been given the week off.

• Sean Jansen starts at number eight for his first Test appearance.
• Props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo are set to debut from the bench.
• Bryn Ward is also poised for his Ireland debut as a replacement.
• Ciaran Frawley makes his first Test start at fly-half, partnering Craig Casey.
• Ronan Kelleher will win his 50th cap, starting at hooker.

What's next

Ireland will be looking to secure a second Nations Championship win before facing New Zealand in Auckland on July 13. Farrell’s decision to rotate his squad gives fringe players and debutants a chance to impress on tour, while key men are rested for the All Blacks test.