Summer tests.

Ireland’s tour of Fiji isn’t going ahead as originally this summer but the IRFU have acted fast and arranged fixtures against Japan and the USA this summer to keep themselves busy.

First up is Japan on July 3 with Ireland set to take on the Brave Blossoms for the first time since their shock defeat to them at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The following week then sees Andy Farrell’s side take on the USA Eagles with both games set to take part in the Aviva Stadium. There’s no word yet if fans will be allowed to attend but we wouldn’t get our hopes up.

Either way, both fixtures will be interesting with Ireland’s Lions in South Africa. Farrell will be without some of his top players – opening the door for some younger guys to make a stake ahead of the Autumn internationals.

It’s also an opportunity for certain players to find some form and up their Test fitness which is reflected in our team selections.

Japan will obviously be the tougher fixture and might tempt Farrell to field his strongest available team but what’s the point in doing that? What does Johnny Sexto for example have to gain by starting against Japan? Get Joey Carbery in there and get him back firing in a green shirt.

Sexton should not be near the starting line-up for either fixture. By all means, put him on the bench but this summer should very much be used as an opportunity to get other guys playing.

And with that, here are two possible selections for those two games. Have a look and let us know what you think in the comments.

Potential Ireland XV vs Japan

15. Hugo Keenan
14. Jordan Larmour
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Chris Farrell
11. James Lowe
10. Joey Carbery
9. Craig Casey

1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Ronan Kelleher
3. John Ryan
4. Ryan Baird
5. James Ryan
6. Peter O’Mahony (c)
7. Will Connors
8. Caelan Doris

Potential Ireland XV vs USA

15. Mike Haley
14. Keith Earls
13. Garry Ringrose (c)
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Ross Byrne
9. Jamison Gibson-Park

1. Dave Kilcoyne
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Tom O’Toole
4. Ryan Baird
5. Ultan Dillane
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Gavin Coombes

Ireland’s July Tests

Sat, 3 July – Ireland v Japan (Aviva Stadium)
Sat, 10 July – Ireland v USA (Aviva Stadium)