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Carbery set to start against Japan as Sexton recovers

Joey Carbery is set to start in Ireland's Rugby World Cup encounter against hosts Japan at the we...



Carbery set to start against J...
Rugby

Carbery set to start against Japan as Sexton recovers

Joey Carbery is set to start in Ireland's Rugby World Cup encounter against hosts Japan at the weekend; with Jonny Sexton now a major injury doubt.

Sexton trained separately from the squad on Tuesday as he recovers from a quad muscle injury he picked up in the opening win over Scotland.

The world player of the year was replaced by Jack Carty after 58 minutes in the 24-point Pool A victory.

He had already passed on kicking duties which were shared by Carty and Conor Murray.

23-year-old Carbery has been out of action since picking up an ankle injury in their warm-up game against Italy last month.

Ireland's skills and kicking coach Richie Murphy has placed his confidence in the dept of the squad;

"We had no problem passing to kicking to Conor, he's done it before. He's not a regular kicker at Munster, but we're happy to have him at No 2 on the pitch. Conor is disappointed he missed two, that's the way it goes.

"Joey is our recognised goal-kicker, he'd be next in line. Our three 10s are our recognised goal-kickers.

"Whichever one of them was called on - if Jonny was out - we have no problem they can come in and run the game plan the way we want them to and be themselves."

Prior to any serious injury concerns, Head Coach Joe Schmidt had already signaled his intention to make changes to the side with just a six-day turnaround between the two games and it's strongly believed now he will not take the risk with Sexton.

Robbie Henshaw is also unlikely to feature against the hosts.

With Keith and Rob Kearney returning to full fitness Schmidt has another selection conundrum after Jordan Larmour's extremely impressive performance against the Scots.

Murphy though says they could be in a worse position;

"It's a good headache, having all the guys come in and do so well".

"The back three, some people outside our group were worried about the changes but we had faith and it just gives a good feeling when it goes well.

Peter O'Mahony and Bundee Aki are also available for selection after coming through HIA protocols after picking up head injuries on Sunday.

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Ireland Joey Carbery Rugby World Cup