Four set for debuts as Ireland make nine changesImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sean Jansen starts at number eight following an impressive season with ConnachtByMatt GaultBBC Sport NI senior journalistPublished21 minutes agoFour players are set to make their debuts for a much-changed Ireland side in Saturday’s Nations Championship game against Japan in Australia.Having beaten Australia 33-31 in a dramatic opener on Saturday, Ireland boss Andy Farrell has made nine alterations to his starting line-up before next week’s blockbuster Auckland meeting with the All Blacks.
Connacht’s Sean Jansen will earn his Test debut from the start at number eight, while club team-mates Billy Bohan and Sam Illo have been picked as replacement props.
Ulster back row Bryn Ward is also poised to make his international bow at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle (11:10 BST) after being named on the bench.
Influential Munster forward Tadhg Beirne will captain Ireland from the start for the first time, with tour skipper Dan Sheehan one of several players rested for the game in Newcastle.
Forwards Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy and Josh van der Flier and backs Jamison Gibson-Park, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose and Hugo Keenan have also been given the week off.
