Captain Caelan Doris Selected to Lead for Irish Team Against Japanese Side

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  17 minutes ago

Fall Internationals: Ireland v Japan

Venue: Dublin Arena, Dublin Fixture: Saturday, 8 November Kick-off: 12:40 GMT

Broadcast: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds, real-time updates on the sports portal & mobile application

Ireland captain Doris has been included in the starting XV for Saturday's fall test match against Japan in Dublin.

Leinster Rugby's flanker returned from injury as a substitute during last week's defeat to New Zealand but is deemed fit to begin as manager Andy Farrell makes adjustments from their tour to the U.S. city.

Joining him in the back row are Ryan Baird at blindside flanker, with Ulster's Timoney at number seven.

Tadhg Beirne, whose dismissal following a disciplinary process versus the All Blacks was later overturned, is returning in the locks with Ryan.

However, the Ulster player McCloskey, who sustained a groin injury in Ireland's first fall match, is not part of the game-day roster with Munster's Farrell selected to earn his first cap alongside Robbie Henshaw.

Jacob Stockdale will earn his fortieth appearance as he comes back on the wing for the first time after suffering a shoulder problem in the summer Test with Georgia.

Casey is selected to link up with club colleague Crowley at half-back, while Ronan Kelleher and Clarkson join the prop positions alongside Andrew Porter who keeps his spot from the loss by New Zealand.

The head coach has quality alternatives on the bench with Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Bealham, Prendergast and Conan the pack substitutes, while Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast and Jimmy O'Brien offer the backs cover.

Irish Team: J Osborne; O'Brien, Farrell , Henshaw, J Stockdale; Crowley, C Casey; Porter, R Kelleher, Clarkson; J Ryan, T Beirne; R Baird , Timoney, C Doris (captain)

Replacements: G McCarthy, P. McCarthy, F Bealham, C. Prendergast, Conan, C Blade, S. Prendergast, J O'Brien.

Related topics

• Rugby in Ireland
• Northern Ireland Sport
• Rugby Union
• Irish Rugby Team

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