Ireland vs Japan: Cailan Doris will start with Tadhg Byrne returning

Ireland captain Cailan Doris has been named in the starting line-up for the autumn international against Japan in Dublin on Saturday.

The Leinster back-row forward returned from injury as a substitute during last week’s 26-13 loss to New Zealand, but is deemed fit to start as head coach Andy Farrell makes changes from his trip to Chicago.

He is joined in the back row by Ryan Baird on the blindside, with Ulster’s Nick Timoney on the openside.

Tadhg Beirne, who had his early red card overturned after a bunker review against the All Blacks later, returned to the second row alongside James Ryan.

However, Ulster’s Stuart McCluskey, who suffered a thigh injury in Ireland’s autumn opener, is not part of the matchday squad with Munster’s Tom Farrell selected to make his Test debut alongside Robbie Henshaw.

Jacob Stockdale will win his 40th cap when he returns to the wing for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury in the summer test against Georgia.

Craig Casey has been given the nod by Munster team-mate Jack Crawley at full-back, while Ronan Kelleher and Thomas Clarkson are in the front row alongside Andrew Porter, who retained his place after the defeat to New Zealand.

Farrell has strong options on the bench with Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Pelham, Cian Prendergast and Jack Coonan as attacking substitutes, while Caolin Blade, Sam Prendergast and Jimmy O’Brien provide reinforcements at the back.

Ireland: J. Osborne; T O’Brien, T Farrell, R Henshaw, G Stockdale; J Crowley, C Casey; Porter, R. Kelleher, T. Clarkson; J Ryan, T Byrne; R Bird, N Timoney, C Doris (Captain)

Replacements: G. McCarthy, P. McCarthy, F. Pelham, C. Prendergast, G. Coonan, C. Blade, S. Prendergast, G. O’Brien.