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Cian Healy says he'll 'understand' if Schmidt makes changes for Japan

Ireland prop Cian Healy says he'll understand if the Irish coaching team make sweeping changes fo...



Ireland prop Cian Healy says he'll understand if the Irish coaching team make sweeping changes for this Saturday's Rugby World Cup clash with Japan in Shizuoka. 

The Leinster loose-head impressed in the scrum against Scotland's WP Nel in yesterday's 27-3 victory in their opening Pool A match but he accepts head-coach Joe Schmidt could shuffle the pack this week.

"I'm understanding," Healy said when asked if he could be replaced for Saturday's game due to the six-day turnaround.

"I want to be involved in as many Test matches as possible, whether it's starting or being on the bench I want to be involved and play games.

"But if the lads see that as the best option for us going forward, then now I'd probably have a more reasonable head to understand that decision."

He feels tournament hosts Japan will pose a threat this week:

"They play such a high-tempo game, they’ve got a lot of great ball players and finishers so it’s going to be a tough preparation for it," he commented.

"I’d say we’ll be pushed for speed work in training, it’s something we’ve been working on anyway but it’s something we’ll be nailing down to be able to handle that attack of theirs."

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