DESPITE massive media speculation to the contrary, Limerick’s Keith Earls has been named in the starting 15 for Sunday’s World Cup Pool clash with France. Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has named a side that most fans would have expected, with Earls coming in for the injured Jared Payne. Some eyebrows may be raised around the selection of Devin Toner at lock, ahead of Henderson, but Schmidt admitted today that Toner got the nod based on the extra line out ability of the Leinster second row.
Paul O’Connell captain’s the side while the backrow is made up of Jamie Heaslip at No.8, Sean O’Brien at open-side and Peter O’Mahony at blindside. Cian Healy starts and is joined in the front row by Mike Ross and Rory Best.
Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton are paired at half-back with Robbie Henshaw and Keith Earls named in midfield. The back three sees Rob Kearney return at fullback with Tommy Bowe and Dave Kearney on the wings.
Among the replacements are Richard Strauss, Jack McGrath, Nathan White, Iain Henderson, Chris Henry, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan and Luke Fitzgerald.
Ireland Team to face France:
15. Rob Kearney
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Keith Earls
12. Rob Henshaw
11. Dave Kearney
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
8. Jamie Heaslip
7. Sean O’Brien
6. Peter O’Mahony
5. Paul O’Connell
4. Devin Toner
3. Mike Ross
2. Rory Best
- Cian Healy
Bench:
Strauss, Mc Grath, White, Henderson, Henry, Reddan, Madigan, Fitzgerald
