Humphreys returns to training
For the second week in a row, Ireland Coach Niall O'Donovan will be able to pick from a full strength squad for Ireland's second Test against Japan this Sunday, including Irish Captain David Humphreys who returned to training today.
Following their transfer from Osaka by bullet train on Monday, the Irish squad had their first full training session at the Tatsumi Rugby grounds in central Tokyo.
With the heat again reaching into the high 30's, the squad was put through their paces in preparation for Sunday's game, which will take place in the 22,000 capacity Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby ground where a full house is expected.
A notable participant in training was tour captain David Humphreys, who left the field injured in Osaka after 22 minutes after receiving a blow to the face. Humphreys took part in the majority of the session, with no ill effects from the injury.
Speaking about the incident, Humphreys said: "I took a knock to the face when making a tackle and was in a bit of discomfort following it. The Irish medical staff and the Japanese staff at the stadium looked after me very well and after various scans and x-rays, nothing was found to be broken. The swelling has gone down on my lip and I was feeling happy enough to return to training today. I am feeling fine and should be available for selection for the second Test."
The team will have another training session tomorrow before Niall O'Donovan names the team at 5pm local time (9am Irish time) and said: "I think our performance on Saturday was good by the fact that we did not concede anything to the Japanese despite being under pressure in difficult conditions and having so many new faces in the team. We would be expecting another competitive game on Sunday from Japan and our defense and attack will have to be of the highest order to win. We will be playing in similar temperatures to last week and in a much tighter stadium, creating a good atmosphere from a full house."
