Rugby: Ulster duo named to start for Ireland against Japan
Ulster pair Jaocb Stockdale and Nick Timoney will start for Ireland in their second Autumn Test match this Saturday, at home to Japan.
Stockdale wins for 40th cap in the back three, while Timoney comes in at openside flanker as Caelan Doris takes the number eight shirt for the first time since returning from shoulder injury.
Doris captains Andy Farrell's side, while Munster’s Tom Farrell will make his Test debut in green as he starts in midfield alongside Robbie Henshaw.
Farrell has named Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and Stockdale in the back three, with the uncapped Farrell and Henshaw selected in the centres, while Craig Casey and Jack Crowley form the half-back pairing.
In the pack, Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher and Thomas Clarkson are the front row combination, James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne - available to play after his red card in last weekend's defeat to New Zealand in Chicago was rescinded - are named in the engine room. The back row is made up of Ryan Baird at blindside flanker, Timoney at openside and Doris at number eight.
Farrell's options on the bench see Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Jack Conan as the forward replacements. Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast and Jimmy O’Brien provide the backline reinforcements.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Farrell said: “I've 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 Japan side who 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 and we’re preparing for a big test.
“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," Farrell added.
"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.
“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.”
Ireland side to play Japan, Saturday November 8th (12.40pm), Aviva Stadium, Dublin
15-9: Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Tommy O’Brien (Leinster), Tom Farrell (Munster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Craig Casey (Munster)
1-8: Andrew Porter (Leinster), Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Caelan Doris (Leinster) (C)
Replacements: Gus McCarthy (Leinster), Paddy McCarthy (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), Jack Conan (Leinster), Caolin Blade (Connacht), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster)