Andy Farrell’s selection for Japan-Ireland Nations Championship clash shows one eye on the future

Andy Farrell is excited by the opportunity to hand four players their Ireland debuts against Japan, describing it as a “special occasion” after making nine changes for Saturday’s clash.

With three emerging Connacht forwards – Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Sean Jansen – joined by Ulster back row Bryn Ward, Farrell’s selection suggests this tour is about more than just results, with bedding in Ireland’s next generation of forwards a key priority.

Connacht enjoyed a change in fortunes last season following Stuart Lancaster‘s arrival as head coach, and the addition of departing Leinster fly-half Ciarán Frawley for next term will only add to the optimism around the Galway-based province.

Despite injury concerns surrounding Mack Hansen, who has not featured for club or country since scoring a hat-trick in Ireland’s victory over Australia last year, the impressive form and experience gained by Jansen, Illo and Bohan at club level has put the Connacht trio firmly on Farrell’s radar.

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Frawley aims to stake his claim for No.10 role

Ward brings power and reliability in a season that, with his help, saw the Ulstermen compete in the final of the European Challenge Cup in Bilbao against Montpellier.

The 21-year-old will make his debut off the bench on Saturday’s game and is sure to make a good and powerful impact on the field.

The much-changed side sees Connacht-bound Frawley take the reins at fly-half, with Harry Byrne named on the bench.

With Jack Crowley unavailable through injury on this tour, the fly-half role will be shared between Frawley, Sam Prendergast, Byrne and Nathan Doak.

Prendergast’s rest for the Japan clash could open the door for URC winner Frawley to stake his claim for the number 10 jersey ahead of the biggest test of the summer against New Zealand at Eden Park next weekend.

Perfect formula found

For Jansen, starting alongside seasoned No.8 Jack Conan should ease his introduction to Test rugby, with the Connacht back row able to lean on one of Ireland’s most experienced forwards.

For my part, the selection seems the perfect formula for bedding in new players in rotation while still showing Japan the respect they deserve.

Seven years ago, during the pool stages of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Japan shocked the rugby world by defeating Ireland in front of a jubilant home crowd in Shizuoka.

With Japan posing a significant threat in the scrum, Ireland’s four debutants will need to be at the top of their game.

They will also be eager to stamp their authority on the international stage.

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