JOE SCHMIDT HAS named Robbie Henshaw and Keith Earls as his centre pairing for Ireland’s World Cup clash with Italy on Sunday in Olympic Park (KO 4.45pm).
The Connacht man will make his World Cup debut after recovering from a hamstring strain, while Earls moves into the 13 shirt due to Jared Payne’s foot injury.
A gluteal injury for Rob Kearney rules him out, meaning Simon Zebo continues at fullback in a back three that also includes Tommy Bowe and Dave Kearney.
In the halfbacks, Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton return.
Schmidt has opted for a front row of Jack McGrath, Rory Best and Mike Ross with Cian Healy in reserve, while Paul O’Connell is joined in the second row by Iain Henderson. Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien and Peter O’Mahony make up the back row.
On the bench, Luke Fitzgerald provides cover for the outside backs, while Chris Henry has been selected as back-up to the back row. Devin Toner is preferred to Donnacha Ryan as the replacement lock.
Ireland (v Italy):
15. Simon Zebo
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Keith Earls
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Dave Kearney
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Iain Henderson
5. Paul O’Connell (captain)
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin
17. Cian Healy
18. Nathan White
19. Devin Toner
20. Chris Henry
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Ian Madigan
23. Luke Fitzgerald
