Lions team named: All seven Irish selected for early auditions against Japan

Warren Gatland has opted to use every one of his Irish contingent for Saturday's game against the Brave Blossoms in Murrayfield

Conor Murray

All seven of Ireland’s Lions will feature in the touring side’s opening game, against Japan in Murrayfield, this Saturday.

Tadhg Furlong will start the game against the Brave Blossoms on the bench but his national colleagues have been asked to pitch up from the off, meaning the Irish contingent has an early chance to shine on a tour where time and opportunities will be in short supply.