| Ulster duo Matt McCullough and Roger Wilson will take their places in the Second Row and at Number 8 respectively in a pack that also sees Marcus Horan start at loose head prop for the first time since he played against the USA Eagles last November.
In the backs, Ulster wing Tommy Bowe makes his second start in an Irish jersey following his try scoring debut against the USA in Lansdowne Road last year. At outside centre, Gavin Duffy will make his first start for Ireland in that position to add to the caps he has won against South Africa and Scotland, with Anthony Horgan making his fifth appearance for Ireland on the left wing.
The Irish team will be captained by David Humphreys at out half, as he extends the Irish record of caps in that position to 68.
Commenting on the selection, Ireland Coach Niall O'Donovan said, "The side selected is one which gives us a fresh look to the team, but also has a backbone of experience that is essential at test level. Nearly half of the starting 15 have less then ten caps or are new caps, but backing that up we have over 300 caps of experience in key positions".
He continued, "The conditions on Sunday will be a factor in the game, but the quality of training has improved throughout the week as the players have acclimatised to the heat. The team was selected to play to a certain game plan and will be prepared for a full blooded test match".
New caps Roger Wilson and Matt McCullough were delighted to learn of their selection. Roger Wilson said, "Training had gone really well for me during camp and it was just a case of keeping the head down and working hard. When the team was read out it took a moment for it to sink in, but after the initial excitement the reality of the job at hand took over. The team all realise that a good performance will be required if we want to win on Sunday. My parents are traveling for the games, so it will be extra special for me to have them there to watch me win my first cap".
Matt McCullough said, "Like Roger, I was delighted when I heard my name read out. The competition for places has been excellent and Niall (O'Donovan) has tried a couple of combinations during training, so I was delighted to get the nod. My focus now is to try and do my job to the best of my ability and hopefully contribute to a win on Sunday against a tough Japanese team".
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