Alan Quinlan drew on personal World Cup experience as he cautioned Ireland not to tinker with the lineup after their win over Scotland.
Ireland prevailed 27-3 in their opening World Cup match of Pool A, and while slight refreshing may be needed due to injury, and Quinlan told OTB AM that consistency is key.
"I think there will be a couple of changes. Johnny Sexton's groin is giving him trouble, so maybe Carbery starts at ten," said Quinlan.
"I wouldn't make a lot of changes. Peter O'Mahony and Bundee failed HIAs; Rob Kearney and Keith Earls might come back into the mix.
"I would keep the spine of the team as strong as possible and give Japan the respect they deserve. They are going to be dangerous next weekend.
"I would keep as many of the front-liners as possible. They haven't played in two weeks because they had a week off. They will be on a high after yesterday."
"By the time the Russia game finishes, it's important everybody in the squad has played. Then you have that unity."
Alan Quinlan on @IrishRugby at #RWC2019!
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It is the Pool game after Japan that Quinlan believes gives ample opportunity for rest for Ireland's main stars.
"A lot of your front-liners - the spine of the team - I would make changes for Russia. You will have the luxury of being able to do that against them and then mix and match against Samoa, depending on who needs games.
"I would go as strong as possible against Japan, but who knows? They might split half of the team and make changes."
Quinlan spoke from experience in his reasoning, believing that maintaining squad harmony throughout the tournament has its seeds in the earliest games.
"By the time the Russia game finishes, it is important that everybody in the squad has played. Because then you have that unity.
"I was there in 2007 when four of us didn't play and - even though you are trying to be positive - it is difficult.
"If everybody plays coming up to that last game, or even gets involvement into two games [...] then you can give the quarter-final a real crack."
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