JOE SCHMIDT HAS handed Cian Healy his first start for Ireland since March, one of 12 changes the Kiwi head coach makes for Sunday’s World Cup clash with Romania.
The loosehead prop forms a front row with Richardt Strauss and Nathan White for Ireland’s Pool D meeting with Romania at Wembley on Sunday (KO 4.45pm).
Devin Toner returns in the second row after being pipped by Iain Henderson for selection last weekend against Canada, with Donnacha Ryan named alongside him in the engine room.
The back row is formed by Chris Henry, captain Jamie Heaslip and Jordi Murphy, who starts on the blindside flank for this fixture.
Ian Madigan takes over from Johnny Sexton at out-half, partnering Eoin Reddan in the halfbacks. In the midfield, Darren Cave gets his first World Cup start alongside the retained Jared Payne.
Simon Zebo is at fullback, with Keith Earls keeping his place on the left wing after impressing against Canada. Tommy Bowe gets his chance on the right wing.
Ireland’s bench includes frontliners Paul O’Connell, Sean O’Brien, Rob Kearney and Conor Murray, while Tadhg Furlong and Paddy Jackson are set to make their World Cup debuts as replacements.
Ireland (v Romania):
15. Simon Zebo
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Jared Payne
12. Darren Cave
11. Keith Earls
10. Ian Madigan
9. Eoin Reddan
1. Cian Healy
2. Richardt Strauss
3. Nathan White
4. Donnacha Ryan
5. Devin Toner
6. Jordi Murphy
7. Chris Henry
8. Jamie Heaslip (captain)
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin
17. Jack McGrath
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Paul O’Connell
20. Sean O’Brien
21. Conor Murray
22. Paddy Jackson
23. Rob Kearney
