Sean Jansen of Connacht is set for an international debut as Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his squad for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash with Japan in Newcastle, with kick-off at 11.10am Irish time.
Ireland are looking to build on last weekend’s bonus-point win over Australia, with Tadhg Beirne captaining the side for the first time. Hooker Rónan Kelleher is also set to win his 50th Ireland cap.
Connacht’s Sean Jansen is handed his Ireland debut at number eight, while provincial team-mates Billy Bohan and Sam Illo could make their first appearances off the bench. Ulster’s Bryn Ward is also in line for his debut among the replacements.
Jamie Osborne switches to full-back, with Robbie Henshaw returning to midfield, while Craig Casey and Ciaran Frawley start together at half-back.
The replacements include Tom Stewart, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nathan Doak, Harry Byrne and Bundee Aki.
