Ireland’s starting line up to face Japan is frighteningly good even without the Lions

Ireland will play Japan in Japan on Saturday and the starting XV is exciting.

Without stating the obvious, there's a host of absentees due to that pesky British and Irish Lions tour. The matches represent a good chance for some of the fringe players to stake a claim for a starting spot when the Six Nations rolls around as they look to impress Joe Schmidt. Saying that the upcoming tests exemplify the strength in depth of the Irish squad. https://twitter.com/IrishRugby/status/875232787317567488 Simon Zebo starts at full back, Garry Ringrose plays at outside centre and Keith Earls retains his starting spot on the wing after his man of the match performance against the USA. Rhys Ruddock is in line to captain the side as he starts at blindside flanker. The match will take place at 6:30 am Irish time on Saturday at the Ecopa Stadium.