Irish seek right blend

Ireland coach Niall O’Donovan will rely on a blend of youth and experience when his side line up against Japan in the first Test in Osaka on Sunday.

Ulster second-row team-mates Matt McCullough and Roger Wilson will make their debuts while Tommy Bowe, the Ulster wing, is lining up for only his second start after a try-scoring bow against the United States.

Outside-half David Humphreys will captain the side on the occasion of his 68th Test cap while Gavin Duffy starts at outside centre as cover for British and Irish Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll.

Anthony Horgan collects his fifth cap on the left wing while Marcus Horan starts at loosehead prop.

O’Donovan said: “The side selected is one which gives us a fresh look to the team, but also has a backbone of experience that is essential at Test level.

“Nearly half of the starting 15 have less than 10 caps or are new caps, but backing that up we have over 300 caps of experience in key positions.

“The conditions on Sunday will be a factor in the game, but the quality of training has improved throughout the week as the players have acclimatised to the heat.

“The team was selected to play to a certain game plan and will be prepared for a full-blooded Test match.”

Japan are 10 places below Ireland in the International Rugby Board rankings and in spite of their 100-8 defeat to Scotland last November, O’Donovan is preparing his side for a tough examination.

“Although they lost to Canada in the recent Super Cup final, Japan still showed enough form to make them a threat this weekend.

“Their ability to play to the hard and fast conditions makes them dangerous in broken-field play, but equally I feel we will also be looking to play to the conditions.

“Any team that plays against Japan will have to play well to beat them and the Irish side will be fully aware of the dangers Japan offer.”