Uncapped Ireland props 'put their hands up' for debut against Japan

Following the news that loose-head prop Jeremy Loughman has been stood down from the clash with Eddie Jones side with a concussion, the door has opened up for Connacht's Billy Bohan to earn his test debut, with tight-head Sam Illo also tipped to make his maiden run out for his country.

Speaking ahead of this Saturday's match in Newcastle, New South Wales, Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty has been impressed with what he's seen from the aspiring front row stars

"There's a reason they're here." Fogarty said at the Ireland training camp. "Both Billy and Sam have performed well throughout the season. They've put their hands up and we're seeing that form in training.

"It's been brilliant. It's been exactly what we'd wanted for them. The learnings are huge and to be around the other more experienced props and be around Andy [Farrell], Paul [O’Connell], Goody [Andrew Goodman], Johnny [Sexton], Simon [Easterby], and get reviewed and understand what it's going to take to become an international player, we're seeing that and I'm sure they're feeling that throughout the week."

Reflecting back upon the opening round of the Nations Championship, and Ireland were fortunate to come away with the win against a gutsy Australian side in Sydney. A last-grasp try from replacement prop Thomas Clarkson levelled the score-line to 31-31, before Sam Prendergast nailed his conversion for the 33-31 victory.

"It was a brilliant test match." Fogarty added. "It had a bit of everything in it, and to find a way to win... I think the lads are in good form, but they know that there's there's inaccuracies throughout our game that we need to get better at and improve on.

"So we're delighted with the win, but Monday, Tuesday was about making sure we understand what needs to be looked at before we move towards Japan, which is going to be a tough game again."

There is certainly no underestimating the Brave Blossoms ahead of round two of the Nations Championship, with Fogarty expecting a technical battle against Japan at scrum time. Japan cinched a 27-10 opening round win against Italy to commence their campaign, which certainly caught the eye of the Ireland coach.

"It's not easy to knock over Italy, and was it 27-10, it's a good score." Fogarty said.

"At scrum time. They're always unbelievably organised, they're really well coached. I know Neal Hatley's there, but also Owen Franks, they're both good coaches at the forwards. Japan are always very compact, very organised, quick to hit, and always get to really good height. So, if there's little inaccuracies with your timing, you'll get exposed. We're making sure we're preparing properly for what's going to be a tough game."