Ireland give Clohessy and Gallagher first starts against Japan

Ireland will hand first starts to Jane Clohessy and Niamh Gallagher in Saturday's Test against Japan.

Head coach Scott Bemand confirmed the pair in his starting side, according to BBC Sport. It is a fresh look for Ireland's second Test against Japan in six days.

Clohessy will win her third cap — a third international appearance — with a first start in the second row. The second rowers are the tall forwards who drive the scrum and jump in the lineout, the contest to catch a throw-in from touch. Gallagher steps in at full-back for her first start there. The full-back is the last line of defence, fielding deep kicks and joining the attack.

There could be more new faces from the bench. Sophie Barrett, Kate Jordan and Alana McInerney are all in line to win their first Ireland caps as replacements. Three debutants on the bench is a big moment. It also gives supporters a first look at the next wave.

Erin King will captain the side from flanker. Flankers are the mobile forwards who chase tackles and fight for the ball on the ground after a tackle, in what rugby calls the ruck. She is joined in the back row by Brittany Hogan and Jemima Adams Verling.

There is no place for Aoife Wafer. She missed last Sunday's game against Japan with a minor training injury and is out again on Saturday.

The rematch kicks off at 2pm and will be shown live on IrishRugby+, according to Irish Rugby.

For fans, this means a chance to judge depth. Japan offered one type of test last weekend. South Africa will offer a very different one, with Ireland scheduled to face them in a WXV double-header later in October.

Bemand named his first Japan side at Dexcom Stadium on 25 September, then made changes for the return fixture. Saturday is about winning first. It is also about learning who can step up next.