Following Jonathan Sexton’s late withdrawal from the squad, an Irish starting XV has been named, with only fourteen players.

The number ten spot has been left vacant while on the bench there is an either/or situation with both Jackson and Madigan named as potential replacements.

Fergus McFadden will start the game on the wing in place of the injured Craig Gilroy, while Rob Kearney starts at fullback.

Cian Healy is back from suspension and starts in a front row that includes Mike Ross and Rory Best.
Luke Marshall gets another outing at centre, starting alongside Brian O’Drsicoll.

Mike McCarthy is fit and goes into the second row, while Declan Fitzpatrick is out.

Ireland starting XV

R Kearney; F McFadden, B O’Driscoll, L Marshall, K Earls; P Jackson/I Madigan, C Murray. T Court

R Best, M Ross; M MMcCarthy, D Ryan; P O’Mahony, S O’Brien, J Heaslip (capt.)

Replacements

S Cronin, D Kilcoyne, S Archer/M Bent, D O’Callaghan, I Henderson; E Reddan, P Jackson/I Madigan, L Fitzgerald.

Image: Ian Madigan at training earlier today©INPHO/Billy Stickland