Arizona Tribune - 'Roy of the Rovers story' -- Farrell handed Ireland debut for Japan Test

The 32-year-old Tom Farrell -- who is no relation to the coach -- will on Saturday become the oldest man to make his Irish debut since Nathan White in 2015, who was two weeks away from turning 34.

Tom Farrell was not in the original series squad but such has been his form for his province that Andy Farrell has named him to replace Garry Ringrose, who is rested.

"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," said Andy Farrell.

"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.

"In congratulating him on his selection, I would like to wish Tom the best of luck."

The experienced Robbie Henshaw will partner him in midfield -- Stuart McCloskey who started against the All Blacks has a groin issue -- whilst Caelan Doris returns to the starting line-up at No 8 and resumes the captaincy role.

Doris missed the British and Irish Lions tour after undergoing shoulder surgery and made his first appearance of the season off the bench against the All Blacks in Chicago.

Hooker Ronan Kelleher, prop Thomas Clarkson and flanker Nick Timoney are the other changes in the scrum.

Tadhg Beirne is free to team up again in the second row with James Ryan after he had his red card from the All Blacks match rescinded earlier this week.

Scrum-half Craig Casey and injury-prone wing Jacob Stockdale come in for New Zealand-born duo Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe respectively in the backs.

Casey forms an all Munster half-back partnership with Jack Crowley, who retains the fly-half starting spot ahead of Sam Prendergast.

Prendergast, who looked to have sealed the first choice fly-half role during this year's Six Nations, has to make do with a spot on the replacements bench, like his older brother Cian, who is a flanker.

Ireland will start as hot favourites to gain a morale-boosting win ahead of far tougher opponents in Australia, coached by former Irish boss Joe Schmidt, and South Africa.

The Springboks only defeat on their way to successfully defending their World Cup title in 2023 was to the Irish in the pool stage.

Japan -- coached by Eddie Jones -- come into the game at Lansdowne Road on the back of a 61-7 thrashing by South Africa last Saturday.

Team (15-1)

Jamie Osborne; Tommy O'Brien, Tom Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, Jacob Stockdale; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Caelan Doris (capt), Nick Timoney, Ryan Baird; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Thomas Clarkson, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter

Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast, Jack Conan, Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast, Jimmy O'Brien

Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)

K.Hill--AT