Ireland’s James Ryan has overcome injury concerns and will captain the side in their home Test against Japan on Saturday, in a team without several injured players and shorn of regulars who are on tour with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa.
Ryan had an abductor injury that cast doubt on his inclusion but he has recovered in time, the Irish Rugby Union said in a statement on Thursday.
Joey Carbery will make his first Ireland appearance since the 2019 World Cup after struggling with ankle and wrist injuries.
Munster flanker Gavin Coombes is the only uncapped player in the matchday squad of 18 but starts among the replacements.
Japan lost 28-10 last week in Edinburgh against the Lions, who were warming up for their tour to South Africa.
Ireland Starting XV
Hugo Keenan, Jordan Larmour, Chris Farrell, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Joey Carbery, Jamison Gibson Park, Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony, James Ryan (captain), Ultan Dillane, Finlay Bealham, Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Ed Byrne, John Ryan, Ryan Baird, Gavin Coombes, Craig Casey, Billy Burns, Shane Daly.