Joe Schmidt has named his starting XV to face France in their Pool D decider at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.
Ulster’s Iain Henderson is the surprise omission from the starting line-up as he takes his place on the bench alongside Chris Henry. Jared Payne has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with a fractured foot after fighting to stay fit for Sunday’s clash, so Keith Earls maintains his position in the centre. Ulster’s starting contingent features Tommy Bowe on the wing and Rory Best in the front row.
Paul O’Connell captains the team from the second row alongside Devin Toner, with Jamie Heaslip in position at number 8, Sean O’Brien at openside flanker and Peter O’Mahoney on the blindside. Cian Healy is set to start his first game of the tournament and links with Mike Ross and Best in the front row.
The likely pairing of Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton continue their partnership at scrum-half and out-half. Robbie Henshaw keeps his shirt at inside . . .
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