Four changes for second Japan Test
The Ireland team to play Japan in the second test in Tokyo this Sunday shows four changes from the side that defeated Japan 44-12 in Osaka last weekend.
Coach Niall O'Donovan has selected an entirely new back row, with Denis Leamy, David Wallace and Eric Miller coming into the team to replace Alan Quinlan, Johnny O'Connor and Roger Wilson respectively.
In the backs, David Quinlan lines out at inside centre for his first start for Ireland, after coming on as a replacement in the Osaka test to win his first cap.
The side will be captained by David Humphreys at out-half, who has recovered from the facial injury that saw him leave the field in the first Test.
The replacements bench will be confirmed on Friday.
"The obvious talking point is the back row, with a new unit playing together on Sunday,” O’Donovan said.
“We felt that Denis, David and Eric all deserved a run, even though we were happy with how six, seven and eight performed last week.
“The breakdown area was particularly competitive last week and we would be expecting the same again.
“In the centre, Kevin Maggs was probably one of our top performers on Sunday in winning his 70th cap, but we felt that David Quinlan would benefit from starting on Sunday to allow him to build his experience for the future".
IRELAND (v Japan): Dempsey, Bowe, Duffy, Quinlan, Horgan, Humphreys, Stringer, Horan, Sheehan, Best, Cullen, McCullough, Leamy, Wallace, Miller.
Replacements to be confirmed.
