Keith Earls starts on the wing as Rob Herring starts as hooker
and Rónan Kelleher game time after they missed Ireland’s three warm-up games, while Farrell and co have had their hand forced by the non-availability of Dan Sheehan, Jack Conan and David Kilcoyne.
Rob Herring will start in the frontrow in between Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong, with Kelleher on the bench likely to come on, with Tadhg Beirne playing in the backrow and James Ryan packing down in the secondrow with Joe McCarthy. With Jamison Gibson-Park returning and partnering Sexton, Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose will be reunited in midfield, and also that James Lowe and Hugo Keenan will be in harness again in the back three, with Keith Earls starting also on the wing instead of Mack Hansen.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Similar to me' Johnny Sexton paid huge compliment by All-Blacks hero Dan CarterDan Carter says Sexton's attributes and playing style are similar to his own.
Read more »
'I have always been confident with Johnny' - O'Driscoll backs Sexton for World Cup returnThe Ireland captain has been unavailable due to a ban.
Read more »
McCarthy set to start in strong Ireland team against RomaniaAndy Farrell is expected to go with most of his front-liners in Bordeaux on Saturday.
Read more »
Brian O'Driscoll: Sexton up to 'really big ask' of leading Ireland to gloryLegend O'Driscoll also believes the world can be Caelan Doris' stage - but that the Mayo man must get an all-court game going
Read more »
Dan Sheehan ruled out of Ireland’s opening World Cup match against RomaniaJack Conan will also miss the first pool game at the Stade de Bordeaux
Read more »
Romania hold no fear of Ireland in opening Rugby World Cup match says backrow Vlad NecalauEver present in the competition, the Romanians are back in the World Cup after missing out in Japan 2019
Read more »