Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has named his XV for the first November International against Samoa.

Paul O'Connell has been named as captain for the Series. However, Jamie Heaslip, who is the new vice-captain will lead the team out against Samoa.

As expected, Jonny Sexton has been rested. The Racing Metro out half is struggling with a hip injury and will not feature in the game.

Schmidt has entrusted Paddy Jackson with the No 10 role, with Ian Madigan joining Paul O'Connell and Sean O'Brien on the bench.

Leinster prop Jack McGrath will make his international debut.  

"Jack started in the final of the Amlin Cup so there is a bit of confidence in Jack, having faced up to some pretty good challenges in the past and his form has been pretty good this year," said Schmidt, speaking from the Carton House press conference.

The starting XV against Samoa is as follows:

Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Fergus McFadden; Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray; Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry, Peter O'Mahony; Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy, Mike Ross, Rory Best, Jack McGrath.

The replacements are: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Sean O'Brien, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Declan Fitzpatrick, Paul O'Connell, Dave Kearney

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan