After a brutal clash against France that left his side with a number of injuries, Joe Schmidt has been forced to make a number of changes to his lineup for the quarter-final against France.
The big question mark for the Ireland coach was over Jonathan Sexton, whose injury in the game against France meant that he spend much of the week without being able to take full part in training. Despite coming in at a critical juncture in the game and putting in one of the best performances of his career, Ian Madigan returns to the replacements bench with Sexton back in the frame.
Similarly, Iain Henderson's strong game after coming on for the injured Paul O'Connell has given Schmidt confidence that the giant hole that the team has in the absence of the former Munster man will be adequately filled.
Chris Henry and Jordi Murphy come in for the injured and suspended Peter O'Mahony and Sean O'Brien, while the head coach also keeps faith with the combination of Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe and Dave Kearney. Keith Earls has recovered from the injury that saw him leave the game against France early to return to the starting lineup for this game.
Starting XV: Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Iain Henderson, Jordi Murphy, Chris Henry, Jamie Heaslip (C), Conor Murray, Jonathan Sexton, Dave Kearney, Robbie Henshaw, Keith earls, Tommy Bowe, Rob Kearney.
Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Jack McGrath, Nathan White, Donnacha Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald.
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