Coach Andy Farrell has made nine changes to the Ireland team that will face Japan in Dublin on Saturday.
After returning from injury in the 26-13 defeat to the All Blacks in Chicago last weekend, No 8 Caelan Doris captains a reshuffled side at Aviva Stadium.
Munster’s Tom Farrell will make his Test debut in midfield alongside Robbie Henshaw.
Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale form the back three, with Craig Casey and Jack Crowley paired at halfback.
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Up front, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher and Thomas Clarkson pack down in the front row, James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne combine in the second row, while Ryan Baird and Nick Timoney join captain Doris in the loose trio.
“I’ve been pleased with the application and diligence of the squad this week,” said Farrell. “It will be a battle against a Japan side who play in a positive manner and will look to ask questions of us. From our side, we want to be sharp, implement our game plan and deliver a big performance.”
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IRELAND – 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Tom Farrell, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter.
Bench: Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast, Jack Conan, Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast, Jimmy O’Brien.
Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
The post Doris regains Ireland captaincy for Japan clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach Andy Farrell has made nine changes to the Ireland team that will face Japan in Dublin on Saturday.
The post Doris regains Ireland captaincy for Japan clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
