Here is all you need to know about Saturday’s clash.

What time is kick-off?

The action at the Aviva Stadium gets underway at 12.40pm.

The IRFU say it has sold 49,600 tickets for the visit of the Brave Blossoms, while the clashes with Australia and South Africa have sold out.

Why is kick-off so early?

In 2021 Ireland played Japan with a kick-off time at the Aviva. With Japan nine hours ahead, the early start is to accommodate a TV audience in Japan.

How can I watch the game?

The game will be live on RTÉ2 and TNT Sports 3 with coverage starting at 12.0pm.

Team news

Assistant coach Johnny Sexton made it clear there will be changes to the team this weekend – some based on the back of poor performances at Soldier Field last Saturday.

“It’ll be a bit of both (rotation and continuity),” Sexton said. “It’s a bit of giving guys a chance, for sure. Some of it will be selection, guys will get a chance because others didn’t play that well at the weekend.”

Tadhg Beirne is available for selection after having his red card overturned by a disciplinary committee on Tuesday night. Ireland captain Caelan Doris could make his first start of the season against after receiving the all clear following his return to action against New Zealand.

Andy Farrell is likely to be without Stuart McCloskey who injured his groin in the defeat, but otherwise Ireland have reported a clean bill of health.

Farrell will name his team to face Japan on Thursday.

What form are the teams in?

Ireland will be looking to bounce back from their 26-13 defeat to New Zealand at Soldier Field after a poor last 20 minutes when Farrell’s men showed signs of a team that had not played together since the Six Nations.

Meanwhile, Japan were crushed 61-7 defeat to South Africa at Wembley at the weekend, and they are a far cry from the side who shocked Ireland at the 2019 World Cup.

This is the first time Japan have played in Dublin since 2021 when Johnny Sexton won his 100th cap in a 60-5 win. Ireland have played Japan 13 times, winning 12 of those.

Who is the referee?

Gianluca Gnecchi is the man in charge, alongside his fellow Italians Andrea Pirardi and Federico Vedovelli. Matteo Liperini is the TMO.