After the tight victory over Australia, Ireland will now face Japan in Newcastle after Japan’s defeat at the hands of Italy. Andy Farrell will make changes to his 23 for this week’s game and will change his starting team up by bringing in a number of players who were on the bench or not involved against Australia to face Japan.
Concussion will rule Jeremy Loughman out of contention and that will allow Billy Bohan come into the 23 either starting or from the bench. It will also be interesting to see who Farrell may ask to back up last Saturday’s game from the bench.
Here is the 23 I would select to face Japan on Saturday at 11am :
15 Jamie Osbourne
14 Robert Baloucounne
13 Bundee Aki
12 Robbie Henshaw
11 Jacob Stockdale
10 Ciaran Frawley
9 Nathan Doak
8 Sean Jansen
7 Nick Timoney
6 Cian Predergast
5 Darragh Murray
4 Cormac Izuchukwu
3 Sam Illo
2 Ronan Kelleher
1 Billy Bohan
–
16 Tom Stewart
17 Tom O Toole
18 Thomas Clarkson
19 James Ryan
20 Jack Conan
21 Craig Casey
22 Harry Byrne
23 Jimmy O Brien