Our Ireland side to take on Japan this weekend gives a chance to the fringe men

A much changed side.

Ireland face Japan this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off, 12.40pm).

They will hope, and need, to get back to winning ways, with World Cup seeding on the line, after a dud outing against the All Blacks.

Expect a handful of changes from Andy Farrell, with fringe players given a rare opportunity to take to the field in green.

Here is the 23 we would like see.

Front row

The perfect match-up for Paddy McCarthy to further his international pedigree.

After Dan Sheehan’ poor showing against the All Blacks, Kelleher deserves a shot at staking a claim for the No 2 jersey.

We know what Finlay Bealham offers, so why not start with Leinter’s Thomas Clarkson.

Second row

Tom Ahern has athletic attributes that nobody else in the squad offers, and every Ireland fan is hoping that he can finally deliver on the international stage.

Back Row

After Ryan Baird’s best performance in a green shirt against the All Blacks, the Irish management should let him continue to ride this wave and cement his status as Peter O’Mahony’s successor.

Nick Timoney has never been trusted in a big game by Farrell, but maybe Saturday’s showdown could give him chance to make a play for the first-choice 23.

With Baird covering lock, it allows for two backrowers on the bench.

Half-back

Craig Casey is closing in on Jamison Gibson-Park’s No 9 jersey, and that gap will likely diminish this weekend.

Get ready for more toxic online discourse, no matter how well or poor Sam Prendergast plays.

Centre

Stuart McCloskey’s team-best performance against New Zealand was a tonic in an otherwise poor game. However, his age is a worry.

His injury makes the selection at inside centre less complicated, and it should be Jamie Osborne to start there, as he is the future.

Hopefully Tom Farrell will have a role to play as well.

Back three

Jacob Stockdale needs to be integrated back into the main fold, given James Lowe’s age of 33.

The right wing should either be Tommy O’Brien or Shayne Bolton, with Jimmy O’Brien filling in at 15.

Ireland 23 to face Japan:

1. Paddy McCarthy
2. Rónan Kelleher
3. Thomas Clarkson
4. Tom Ahern
5. James Ryan
6. Ryan Baird
7. Nick Timoney
8. Caelan Doris
9. Craig Casey
10. Sam Prendergast
11. Jacob Stockdale
12. Jamie Osborne
13. Tom Farrell
14. Shayne Bolton
15. Jimmy O’Brien

Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Prendergast, Jack Conan, Caolin Blade, Ciarán Frawley.