Overview
- Jeremy Loughman was ruled out with a concussion on Tuesday, which has made 20‑year‑old loosehead Billy Bohan the frontrunner to win his first Ireland cap against Japan.
- Connacht team‑mate Sam Illo is in contention for a tighthead spot if Andy Farrell opts to rest a senior prop ahead of the All Blacks match.
- Scrum coach John Fogarty and the backroom group have publicly praised Bohan and Illo for their season form and training performances.
- Andy Farrell is due to name his match‑day 23 on Thursday and Fogarty confirmed Ireland will not call up another loosehead for the Japan game.
- The selection approach aims to give younger players Test exposure while protecting senior starters as Ireland prepare for a well‑organised Japan side and the tougher Eden Park fixture next weekend.