Billy Bohan and Sam Illo set to make Ireland debuts against Japan on Saturday

Rookie props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo could be handed Ireland debuts in Saturday’s Nations Championship showdown with Japan.

Munster loose-head Jeremy Loughman is unavailable after suffering a head injury in last weekend’s 33-31 victory over Australia, and head coach Andy Farrell may decide to keep his powder dry with tight-head Tadhg Furlong as the eagerly-anticipated clash with New Zealand looms.

As a result, Connacht pair Bohan, 20, and 25-year-old Illo could find themselves called upon when Ireland face the Brave Blossoms in Newcastle, New South Wales, and scrum coach John Fogarty is convinced they are ready.

He told a press conference in Sydney on Tuesday: “There’s a reason they’re here. Both Billy and Sam have performed well throughout the season. They’ve put their hands up and we’re seeing that form in training.

“It’s been brilliant. It’s been exactly what we’d wanted for them. The learnings are huge.

“To be around the other more experienced props and be around Andy (Farrell), Paul (O’Connell), Goody (Andrew Goodman), Johnny (Sexton), Simon (Easterby), and get reviewed and understand what it’s going to take to become an international player, we’re seeing that and I’m sure they’re feeling that throughout the week.”

A first cap would complete a remarkable season for Bohan in particular.

The then 19-year-old made his Connacht debut in December and was called into Farrell’s Six Nations squad in January after injuries to Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle ate into Ireland’s pack resources.

Fogarty said: “He’s learning the whole time. He’s got a huge appetite to learn, very curious around his bits and pieces. Tadhg Furlong will be the first to tell you that he’s constantly figuring ways out to do things well.