Japan's captain Michael Leitch will not start against Ireland this Saturday, as he drops to the bench amid four changes to the starting team that beat Russia last week.
Amanaki Mafi returns from injury to start in place of Leitch in the backrow, with Kazuki Himeno moving to no.6 while Pieter Labuschagne will captain the side from no.7.
Speaking about his decision not to start Leitch - who has struggled this year with injury - Japan's head coach Jamie Joseph explained: "Michael’s obviously our captain but if we’re going to be successful in achieving our goals, we’re going to have to have impact and experience off the bench, all the best teams in the world have a great bench."
Among the other changes, Jiwon Koo comes into the front row while Joseph has gone for physical options on the wing to counteract Ireland's back three. William Tupou moves out to 11 after playing full back against Russia, with Ryohei Yamanaka coming into the side at no.15 at the expense of Lomano Lemeki.
In the second row, Luke Thompson, formerly of Blackrock College RFC many moons ago, comes into start a loosehead.
Here's the @JRFURugby team to face @IrishRugby in Pool A at #RWC2019 #JPNvIRE
📝 Amanaki Mafi will make his first appearance for Japan at number eight for the host's second game against Ireland on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Ep0DdNwzoD— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 26, 2019
While Joseph has made a few changes to the team, judging by his comments they are with the intention of giving his side the best chance to beat Ireland rather than resting players for a potentially huge match against Scotland.
