Jack Carty will replace the injured Johnny Sexton in one of four changes to Ireland’s starting lineup for their World Cup match against Japan on Saturday.
Sexton will miss the match against the World Cup hosts in Shizuoka after picking up a slight niggle that prevented him from kicking at goal in their win over Scotland.
It provides Carty with the opportunity to win just his ninth Test cap and make his first World Cup start, with Joey Carbury providing backup on the bench.
Ireland have been boosted by fit again fullback Rob Kearney, who returns to the starting lineup, while experienced wing Keith Earls starts in place of Andrew Conway.
In the only other change, Chris Farrell comes in for Bundee Aki, partnering with Garry Ringrose in midfield.
Ireland’s pack is unchanged from the one that was dominant in their first World Cup match against Scotland.
Ireland – 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Chris Farrell, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Jack Carty, 9 Conor Murray, 8 CJ Stander, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 James Ryan, 4 Iain Henderson, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Andrew Porter, 19 Tadhg Beirne, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Joey Carbury, 23 Jordan Larmour.
Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images
