Tom Farrell to make debut as Ireland team to face Japan named

Michael Bolton

Munster centre Tom Farrell will make his debut against Japan on Saturday as Andy Farrell makes eight changes to the side that lost to New Zealand last weekend.

At the age of 32, Farrell has been rewarded for his form for Munster, and will partner Robbie Henshaw in the Aviva Stadium.

Paddy McCarthy will make his first Ireland start after coming on as a replacement in Chicago, where he will partner Ronán Kelleher and Tom Clarkson in the front row.

After having his red card overturned, Tadhg Beirne will partner James Ryan in the second row.

Caelan Doris makes his first start of the season to captain the side, where Ryan Baird and Nick Timoney will join him in the back-row.

Jacob Stockdale gets his chance to impress on the left wing, with Jamie Osborne continuing at full-back. Tommy O'Brien starts once again on the right-wing.

It is the Munster pairing at half-back, with Craig Casey partnering Jack Crowley.

On the relplacements, Cian Prendergast, Caolan Blade, Gus McCarthy, and Jimmy O'Brien come into the squad.

Ireland side to face Japan: Paddy McCarthy (Leinster), Ronán Kelleher (Leinster), Tom Clarkson (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Nick Timoney (Ulster) Caelan Doris (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowly (Munster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster). Tom Farrell (Munster), Tommy O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster)

Replacements: Gus McCarthy (Leinster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Cian Prendergast (Connacht) Jack Conan (Leinster), Caolin Blade (Connacht), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Jimmy O'Brien (Leinster).