Ireland's rugby sevens team has made several changes to their lineup for their upcoming match against Japan in the WXV Global Series, following the injury of key player Aoife Wafer. Wafer suffered a minor injury during training and will miss the game, which takes place in Galway. This marks the first time she will be absent from a match since joining the squad. Head coach Scott Bemand has opted to make six changes to the team following their close 40-36 loss to the United States in the opening match of the series. The changes include the inclusion of Connacht players Beibhinn Parsons, Anna McGann, and Aoibheann Reilly in the backline. Eilís Cahill will make her debut for Ireland in the front row, while Neve Jones and Brittany Hogan are selected in the hooker and back row positions, respectively. One of the most notable additions to the matchday 23 is uncapped hooker Beth Buttimer, who will make her Test debut from the bench. The 21-year-old has impressed during the Women's Interprovincial Championship with Munster and has been rewarded with her first opportunity to represent Ireland at the highest level. In the previous match against the United States, Ireland had taken a commanding lead of 31-12 before the Americans staged a remarkable second-half comeback, scoring four consecutive tries to secure a dramatic victory. Despite the loss, Ireland's head coach has made strategic changes to the team, aiming to improve performance in the upcoming game against Japan. The starting lineup for the match includes players such as Flood, Higgins, and captain King, with a strong group of replacements ready to support the team.