ROBBIE Henshaw has been welcomed back into the Ireland XV and will make his Rugby World Cup debut against Italy on Sunday.
Joe Schmidt’s decision to bring Henshaw in will see Keith Earls switch from the left wing to form a new-look midfield partnership.
Rob Kearney has not been passed fit to play, with Simon Zebo earning another start at full-back following his Man of the Match display against Romania.
Another notable absentee is Cian Healy, who is on the bench with Jack McGrath set to start instead, while Jonathan Sexton is back in the side.
Here's the @IrishRugby v Italy. Welcome back @henshawrob #ShoulderToShoulder #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/ToouiXkWAB
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 2, 2015
Meanwhile, Italy are expected to name captain and talisman Sergio Parisse, who had been struggling with an injury.
Ireland XV to face Italy:
S Zebo; T Bowe, K Earls, R Henshaw, D Kearney; J Sexton, C Murray; J McGrath, R Best, M Ross; I Henderson, P O’Connell (capt); P O’Mahony, S O’Brien, J Heaslip. Reps – S Cronin, C Healy, N White, D Toner, C Henry, E Reddan, I Madigan, L Fitzgerald.
