There's be more focus than expected on Ireland's performance against Russia this Thursday morning after the shock defeat to Japan on Saturday. The minnows of the group were always going to face a less than first choice Ireland team for this game, but following the debacle in Shizuoka, it might be that there are more places to play for on Thursday than we would have expected.
Johnny Sexton returns to the team after being rested/not risked on Saturday. He captains Ireland for the first time.
#RWC2019 @JohnnySexton will be the 106th player to captain Ireland when he leads the team against Russia on Thursday. Congratulations Johnny.#TeamOfUs #ShoulderToShoulder #IREvRUS pic.twitter.com/en890QmEkz
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 1, 2019
Peter O'Mahony remains in the pack for his third start in a row at the World Cup, interesting picked at openside flanker. The rest of the pack is completely changed, with an all-Munster front five picked, while O'Mahony is joined in the backrow by Rhys Ruddock and Jordi Murphy, who start at number 8 fresh off the plane after replacing the injured Jack Conan.
The Irish backline is very strong outside of Sexton. Garry Ringrose is the other player to start all three games, while Bundee Aki comes back into the team after his HIA against Scotland. Keith Earls and Rob Kearney get another game under their belt, while Andrew Conway returns after his impressive display in the first game.
James Ryan, Conor Murray, Cian Healy, Josh Van der Flier and Jacob Stockdale have all been given the week off, which means some interesting choices on the bench. Joey Carbery will cover scrum half, with both him and Jack Carty selected. Andrew Porter will also provide cover for loosehead prop with Tadhg Furlong joining him on the bench.
Ireland Team to play Russia:
15. Rob Kearney
14. Andrew Conway
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Bundee Aki
11. Keith Earls
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Luke McGrath
1.Dave Kilcoyne
2. Niall Scannell
3. John Ryan
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. Jean Kleyn
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Peter O'Mahony
8. Jordi Murphy
#RWC2019
Here's the Ireland team - captained by @JohnnySexton - to play Russia on Thursday in Kobe. #ShoulderToShoulder #TeamOfUs #IREvRUS https://t.co/AVZ3WmZUog pic.twitter.com/U5c3Skup03— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 1, 2019
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin
17. Andrew Porter
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Iain Henderson
20. CJ Stander
21. Joey Carbery
22. Jack Carty
23. Jordan Larmour
This Ireland team will play Russia at 11.15 Irish time on Thursday morning.
SEE ALSO: Best's Revealing Referee Conversation And Ireland's Fatal Failing In Japanese Fiasco
