Japan vs Ireland: Four sets for debut as Ireland head coach Andy Farrell changes ring

Ciaran Frawley is given his first Test start at fly-half as part of a new-look half-back pairing with Craig Casey.

It is only the second international start for Frawley – who has left Leinster for Connacht – after being run out at full-back against Wales in the 2024 Six Nations.

Jacob Stockdale and Jimmy O’Brien were selected on the wings and Jamie Osborne moved to full-back after starting Australia’s game on the left wing, while Stuart McCloskey and Robbie Henshaw formed an experienced center partnership.

Props Tom O’Toole and Thomas Clarkson – who scored late goals in the final against Australia – started in the front row alongside hooker Ronan Kelleher, who won his 50th cap.

Beirne is partnered by James Ryan in an experienced second row, while Jack Conan moves from number eight to blind-side flanker to accommodate Janssen’s inclusion, with Nick Timoney selected at open-side.

Farrell’s bench is too inexperienced at this level. Apart from the uncapped Bohan, Ilo and Ward, Ulster duo Tom Stewart and Cormac Izuchukwu have been named as pack replacements.

Scrum-half Nathan Doake comes off the bench to earn his second cap with back-up fly-half Harry Byrne set to make his first Ireland appearance since 2024, while Bundy Aki rounds out the matchday squad.

Ireland beat Japan 41-10 when the two teams met in Dublin in November. Japan’s only win in 11 meetings with Ireland was a memorable 19–12 success at the 2019 World Cup in Shizuoka.