We will deal with the bad news first, then get to the good.
Robbie Henshaw will miss Ireland’s World Cup opener against Canada after picking up a hamstring tweak in training.
The Connacht back’s place in the Irish midfield will, somewhat surprisingly, be taken by Luke Fitzgerald.
Joe Schmidt confirmed Henshaw had strained his hamstring. He is able to walk and jog but acceleration, he added, was an issue. The coach is “quietly confident” the 22-year-old will be fit to face Romania.
Tommy Bowe also misses out on selection, following his poor outing against England, but Schmidt insists the Ulster winger is still high in his thoughts for the tournament.
Elsewhere in an Ireland team captained by Paul O’Connell, Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray get half-back starts and will hope to shake off the last of their summer rust.
Iain Henderson joins O’Connell in the second row while Jack McGrath starts ahead of Cian Healy, who is on the bench.
The @IrishRugby team to play @RugbyCanada is… #rwc2015 #shouldertoshoulder pic.twitter.com/CuyHMvlXOD
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 17, 2015
The Canadians, meanwhile, have named their starting XV.
Clermont lock Jamie Cudmore will captain his country in the Millennium Stadium clash.
8 members of Canada's starting XV are making their @rugbyworldcup debut on Saturday vs Ireland at Millennium Stadium! pic.twitter.com/M8g9Tk0uPr
— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) September 17, 2015
