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Sexton returns to lead powerful Ireland side

By AFP
Thursday 7 Sep 2023

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Talisman Johnny Sexton will make his first competitive appearance since March this weekend after he was picked to captain Ireland in their World Cup opener against Romania.

The 38-year-old flyhalf has not played due to a groin injury he suffered during Ireland's Six Nations Grand Slam-sealing win over England.

He was also unable to play in any of their warm-up matches due to a ban for abusing the referee at the Champions Cup Final which his province Leinster lost to La Rochelle.

Meanwhile, Hugo Keenan, Keith Earls and James Lowe are named in the back three, with Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki paired in the Ireland midfield.

Sexton's halfback partner will be scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Rob Herring and Tadhg Furlong start in the front row, with Joe McCarthy – one of six players in the starting XV set for their World Cup debuts – partnering James Ryan in the second row.

Tadhg Beirne is named at blindside flank, with Peter O’Mahony at openside and Caelan Doris at No.8.

Farrell has strong options among his bench with Rónan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman and Tom O’Toole the front row reinforcements, Iain Henderson and Josh van der Flier covering the second and back row respectively, and Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Robbie Henshaw providing the backline replacements.

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Johnny Sexton (captain), 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Peter O’Mahony, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 James Ryan, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Andrew Porter.

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Jeremy Loughman, 18 Tom O’Toole, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Robbie Henshaw.

Date: Saturday, September 9

Venue: Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

Kick-off: 15.30 (13.30 GMT; 14.30 UK & Ireland time; 16.30 EEST)

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)

Assistant Referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Andrea Piardi (Italy)

TMO: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

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