Ireland makes nine changes, Jansen set for debut against Japan

Ireland will face Japan in the Nations Championship on Saturday in Newcastle, making nine changes to their starting lineup, including Sean Jansen, who will debut at No 8. The revised squad is a result of injuries and resting key players ahead of a fixture with New Zealand. Tadhg Beirne will captain the team from the start for the first time, while several rookies, including Billy Bohan and Sam Illo, are set to debut from the bench. Jamie Osborne will shift positions to fill in at full-back in a significantly altered side from their last match against Australia.