Henshaw to make RWC debut against Italy

Robbie Henshaw is set to make his Rugby World Cup debut for Ireland against Italy after overcoming a hamstring problem, but Rob Kearney and Jared Payne have been left out.

Ireland will bid to make it three wins from three in Pool D, ahead of a mouthwatering final group game against France, when they face Italy at London's Olympic Stadium on Sunday.

And coach Joe Schmidt has made 11 alterations to the much-changed XV that saw off Romania last time out, with Henshaw and Keith Earls forming a new centre partnership after the latter had featured on the wing in Ireland's opening matches.

Kearney (gluteal strain) and Payne (bruised foot) were named as injury concerns earlier in the week and neither has made the 23-man matchday squad.

Ireland have reverted to the same pack that featured in their tournament opener against Canada, while Simon Zebo and Tommy Bowe keep their places in the back three after impressing against Romania.

Ireland: Simon Zebo, Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Iain Henderson, Paul O'Connell (captain), Peter O'Mahony, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Nathan White, Devin Toner, Chris Henry, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald.