Henshaw to start Autumn test series clash with Japan

Robbie Henshaw is primed to make his 83rd appearance for Ireland when they host Japan in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off, 12.40pm).

The second of four November series test games, Henshaw will start in his customary centre berth and will be partnered by debutant Tom Farrell, the Munster back having shown consistent form during Munster's unbeaten start to their URC campaign.

Henshaw was not named in the Ireland squad which succumbed to a last quarter New Zealand surge in Soldier Field Chicago last weekend, but now has the opportunity to cement his place in the centre with tests against Australia and South Africa to come later in the month.

Ireland team named to play Japan

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(9)

14. Tommy O’Brien (UCD/Leinster)(3)

13. Tom Farrell (Lansdowne/Munster)

12. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(82)

11. Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster)(39)

10. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(27)

9. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(21)

1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(76)

2. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(40)

3. Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster)(8)

4. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(73)

5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(62)

6. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(30)

7. Nick Timoney (Banbridge/Ulster)(4)

8. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(52)(captain)

Replacements:

16. Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)(6)

17. Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(1)

18. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(52)

19. Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht)(5)

20. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(52)

21. Caolin Blade (Galwegians/Connacht)(3)

22. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(10)

23. Jimmy O’Brien (Naas/Leinster)(10)