Doris returns to captaincy in settled Ireland outfit
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head Coach Andy Farrell has named his team for Saturday’s Nations Series clash against Japan at Aviva Stadium.
After making his comeback from injury in Chicago last weekend, Caelan Doris returns to the Ireland starting team to captain the side, while Munster’s Tom Farrell will make his Test debut as he starts in midfield alongside Robbie Henshaw.
Ireland returns home to Aviva Stadium for the first of three Nations Series matches this November against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Farrell has named Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and Jacob 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 are named in the engine room.
The back row is made up of Ryan Baird at blindside flanker, Nick Timoney and openside and captain Doris at No.8.
Farrell has strong options on the bench with Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Jack Conan as the forward replacements, while Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast and Jimmy O’Brien provide the backline reinforcements.
Ireland: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Caelan Doris (captain), 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Caolin Blade, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Jimmy O’Brien
Date: Saturday, October 8
Venue: AVIVA Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 12.40 (21.40 JST; 12.40 GMT)
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy), Federico Vedovelli (Italy)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
