Farrell rings changes for Ireland’s Japan clash
Ireland coach Andy Farrell made nine changes Thursday to his starting side to face Japan in the Nations Championship this weekend, with Tadhg Beirne named to lead out the team as captain for the first time. Only six players from their nail-biting 33-31 victory over the Wallabies in Sydney last week keep their place for […] The post Farrell rings changes for Ireland’s Japan clash appeared first on The Namibian .
Ireland coach Andy Farrell made nine changes Thursday to his starting side to face Japan in the Nations Championship this weekend, with Tadhg Beirne named to lead out the team as captain for the first time.
Only six players from their nail-biting 33-31 victory over the Wallabies in Sydney last week keep their place for the showdown in Newcastle on Saturday.
They are backs Stuart McCloskey, Jamie Osborne and Jimmy O’Brien, along with forwards Tom O’Toole, James Ryan and Jack Conan — with Farrell having an eye on a blockbuster clash with New Zealand at Eden Park on July 18.
Connacht back-row forward Sean Jansen will start for the first time at No.8, with provincial teammates Billy Bohan and Sam Illo also set for debuts off the bench.
Ulster flanker Bryn Ward was also included in the matchday squad for the first time.
