Ireland team: Andy Farrell wields the axe as EIGHT changes made including ‘Roy of the Rovers’ start for uncapped back
New Ireland cap Tom Farrell and, inset, head coach Andy Farrell
Andy Farrell has confirmed wholesale changes to his latest Ireland team, making eight alterations following the loss to the All Blacks that includes handing 32-year-old rookie Tom Farrell his debut.
The Irish fell flat last weekend in Chicago, running out of gas in the final quarter and seeing a 13-7 lead against New Zealand transformed into a 13-26 defeat.
Farrell has reacted by changing four of his starting backs and four of his forwards as they look to get their Autumn Nations Series on track when they host Japan in Dublin on Saturday before the arrival of Australia and South Africa in the following weeks.
There is one alteration to the starting back three with Jacob Stockdale coming on the left wing in place of James Lowe to join full-back Jamie Osborne and right wing Tommy O’Brien.
Jack Crowley preferred again over Sam Prendergast
There is a new midfield partnership with the debut-making Farrell paired with Robbie Henshaw instead of last Saturday’s starters, Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey who are both injured.
Fly-half selection was the major talking point leading into the match with New Zealand, with Jack Crowley preferred over Sam Prendergast. Farrell has again plumped for Crowley to start against the Japanese, but with Craig Casey his scrum-half partner on this occasion with Jamison Gibson-Park missing out.
In the pack, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, the rescinded red-carded Tadhg Beirne and Ryan Baird are the four starters from the USA who are retained. They will be joined up front by hooker Ronan Kelleher, tighthead Thomas Clarkson, openside Nick Timoney and number eight Caelan Doris, who has been reinstated as captain following his comeback from injury off the bench last weekend.
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Dan Sheahan, Tadhg Furlong and Josh van der Flier have all been omitted, but Jack Conan has been kept involved as he has been chosen on a replacements bench that includes fresh faces in hooker Gus McCarthy, second-row Cian Prendergast, scrum-half Caolin Blade and utility back Jimmy O’Brien. Iain Henderson and Bundee Aki drop off the bench.
Head coach Farrell said: “Tom (Farrell) becomes our latest debutant and his is a real Roy of the Rovers story when you look at his journey in the game to this point.
“Tom has worked really hard to earn the right to represent his country, and I know how proud he is to be involved this weekend after knocking on the selection door for the last few seasons. In congratulating him on his selection, I would like to wish Tom the best of luck.
“I have been pleased with the application and diligence of the squad this week. Since returning from Chicago on Monday morning, the squad have assessed the areas we need to collectively improve upon.
“It will be a battle against a Japanese side that play the game in a positive manner and will look to ask questions of us. From our side, we will look to be sharp and implement our game plan. We are preparing for a big test.
“Saturday presents us with an opportunity to play in front of a packed Aviva Stadium. Playing at home is a privilege that we never take lightly and it’s the start of an exciting three weeks of games as we look to build momentum.”
Team v Japan in full
Ireland: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 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. Ronan Kelleher, 1. Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Caolin Blade, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Jimmy O’Brien
Date: Saturday, November 8
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 12:40 (local) 21:40 (JPN)
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)
Assistant Referees: Andrea Piardi (FIR), Federico Vedovelli (FIR)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)
FRPO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)
