Ireland v Japan: Caelan Doris to start as Tadhg Beirne returns

Andy Farrell has made eight changes to the side beaten last week in Soldier Field.
Joining Doris in the back row are Ryan Baird at blind-side flanker, with Ulster’s Nick Timoney coming in at open-side.
Tadhg Beirne, whose early red card following a bunker review against the All Blacks was subsequently rescinded, remains in the second row alongside James Ryan.
However, Ulster’s Stuart McCloskey, who picked up a groin injury in Ireland’s autumn opener, has been ruled out along with Garry Ringrose who has a hamstring complaint.
Jacob Stockdale will win his 40th cap as he returns on the wing for a first Test since picking up a shoulder injury in the summer Test against Georgia.
Craig Casey gets the nod to partner Munster team-mate Jack Crowley at half-back, while Ronan Kelleher and Thomas Clarkson come into the front row alongside Andrew Porter who retains his place from the defeat by New Zealand.
Farrell has strong options on the bench with Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Jack Conan the forward replacements, while Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast and Jimmy O’Brien provide the backline reinforcements.
The head coach has said those coming into the team have the chance to show “they mean business” before games against Australia and South Africa this month.
“Everything gets thrown into the pot in regards to selection when you’ve four big games and you throw in a bit of travel as well,” he said.
“The lads that don’t get a chance to play this weekend, they’re the ones that are brimming to get back. Coming back to Dublin off the back of a loss isn’t nice, you want to get straight back on the horse.
“The ones that go on to the field are the ones with the chance to prove to the rest of them that they mean business.”




