Ireland out to impress against Russia after shock defeat to Japan
Schmidt aims to get his side's World Cup campaign back on track
Ireland are going all out for a bonus point win over Russia this morning (Thursday) as they aim to rescue their stuttering World Cup campaign.
After a shock defeat to Japan, Joe Schmidt's changed almost the entire team with Rory Best and Jacob Stockdale rested.
Ulster's Jordi Murphy starts, with Iain Henderson on the bench.
Schmidt says it is important to be smart about squad management at this stage of the tournament.
“We are looking to freshen it up and give guys an opportunity,” he said
Jonny Sexton captains the side for the first time ever, as he wins his 86th cap and says it'll be a special moment
“It’s something I have thought about as a kid,” he said.
“It’s taken a while but it was worth the wait – and I feel incredibly proud."