JOE SCHMIDT HAS handed Jordan Larmour and Andrew Conway starting chances in Ireland’s opening World Cup clash with Scotland on Sunday in Yokohama [KO 8.45am Irish time, eir Sport/RTÉ].
With Rob Kearney missing the Pool A clash due to a foot injury, 22-year-old Larmour will win his 17th Test cap at fullback, while Conway slots in on the right wing as Keith Earls is absent with a knee issue.
Ireland are hopeful that Kearney and Earls, along with the missing Joey Carbery, will recover from their injuries in time to be available to face Japan on 28 September.
With Jacob Stockdale completing the back three against Scotland, Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose team up in midfield – the injured Robbie Henshaw having been ruled out.
Schmidt has opted for a starting back row of Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, and CJ Stander, while Iain Henderson partners James Ryan in the second row.
The halfback pairing is made up of Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton, while the front row of Cian Healy, captain Rory Best, and Tadhg Furlong has a settled look to it.
There are some interesting choices on the bench for Ireland, with Niall Scannell included ahead of Sean Cronin. Dave Kilcoyne and Andrew Porter will provide impact as the back-up props.
Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan should deliver dynamism as replacements, while Jack Carty is included as Carbery is given another week to get his ankle injury fully healed for the Japan clash.
With Henshaw, Carbery, Earls, and Kearney all absent, Chris Farrell is the man occupying the number 23 shirt.
Ireland (v Scotland):
15. Jordan Larmour
14. Andrew Conway
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Bundee Aki
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best (captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Iain Henderson
5. James Ryan
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. CJ Stander
Replacements:
16. Niall Scannell
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. Andrew Porter
19. Tadhg Beirne
20. Jack Conan
21. Luke McGrath
22. Jack Carty
23. Chris Farrell
Gavan Casey is joined by Andy Dunne and, from Japan, Murray Kinsella ahead of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup opener against Scotland.
The42 Rugby Weekly / SoundCloud
