Ulster star in line to make Ireland debut in Nations Championship clash with Japan
Sean Jansen will win his first cap in a much-changed Ireland side for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash with Japan in Australia – while Ulster’s Bryn Ward is also in line to make his debut after being named on the bench.
Connacht number eight Jansen will make his debut in Newcastle as part of a pack showing just three survivors – prop Tom O’Toole, second row James Ryan and Jack Conan, who switches from number eight to the blindside – from the 33-31 victory over Australia.
Rookie Connacht props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo, as well as back row Ward, are also in line to make debuts from the bench.
Tadhg Bierne, who came off the bench against Australia, captains the side for the first time from the start while hooker Ronan Kelleher will win his 50th cap.
Behind the pack, Jamie Osborne moves from wing to full-back with wing Jimmy O’Brien and Stuart McCloskey the only other survivors from the starting line-up in Sydney.
Robbie Henshaw comes in to partner McCloskey in the centres with Jacob Stockdale filling Osborne’s role on the wing.
Ciaran Frawley and Craig Casey form a new-look half-back partnership.