The Ireland squad have stepped up their preparations ahead of Saturday’s second game of the Nations Championship at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle against Japan (Kick-off 8.10pm local time/11.10am Irish time).
Jeremy Loughman (concussion) is stood down this week and a decision on Rob Baloucoune (hamstring) will be made later in the week after he missed the 33-31 victory over Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
There are no further injury concerns.
Japan kicked off their Nations Championship campaign with an impressive win against Italy in Tokyo on Saturday.
Japan's Ben Gunter said, "This is a big statement for Japan. Italy are a very strong team. Their performances recently have been unreal, so for us to start this new tournament with that statement, I can't be happier."
Both teams sit third in their Conference Table after the opening weekend of the new tournament.
The Ireland team to face Japan will be named on Thursday morning (8am local time/11pm Irish time).
