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Jonny Sexton ruled out of quarter-final against Argentina
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Fly-half Ian Madigan comes in to start at number 10
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Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony also ruled out through injury while Sean O’Brien serves one-week ban
Jonny Sexton is the latest player to be ruled out for Ireland with the fly-half missing their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina tomorrow due to a groin strain.
The 30-year-old number 10 had initially been named in Joe Schmidt’s starting XV on Friday but was withdrawn on Saturday morning with Ian Madigan taking his place.
Ireland’s management reported that a further scan had shown a “very minor adductor strain”.
Replacement Madigan though showed his skill and ability with a terrific performance against France in the final group game when he replaced Sexton in the first half.
Ulster fly-half Paddy Jackson comes into the match day squad, taking Madigan’s place on the bench.
Monster lock Iain Henderson comes into the second row to replace the injured Captain Paul O’Connell
Sean O’Brien serves a one-week ban while Peter O’Mahony was stretchered off last weekend with knee ligament damage.
Ireland: Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney; Ian Madigan, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross; Devin Toner, Iain Henderson; Jordi Murphy, Chris Henry, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Jordi McGrath, Nathan White, Donnacha Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Paddy Jackson, Luke Fitzgerald.