RUGBY WORLD CUP: Ulster trio start for Ireland in Scotland opener
Best will captain Joe Schmidt's side alongside Stockdale and Henderson
Three Ulster players are included in the line-up for Ireland’s World Cup opener against Scotland in Japan.
Rory Best will captain the team alongside Ulster colleagues Jacob Stockdale and Iain Henderson who will win his 49th cap in the process.
Former Ulster star Chris Farrell has secured a place on the bench.
However, Rob Kearney and Keith Earls are out – the injury-hit pair will be replaced by Munster’s Andrew Conway and Leinster’s Jordan Larmour.
And with Robbie Henshaw ruled out earlier in the week, Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki start at centre.
Jack Carty will also come into the squad to replace the injured Joey Carbery.
The game takes place in Yokohama on Sunday morning with kick off 8.45 our time.
Ireland squad: J Larmour (Leinster), A Conway (Munster), G Ringrose (Leinster), B Aki (Connacht), J Stockdale (Ulster), J Sexton (Leinster), C Murray (Munster); C Healy (Leinster), R Best (Ulster, capt), T Furlong (Leinster) I Henderson (Ulster), J Ryan (Leinster), P O'Mahony (Munster), J Van Der Flier (Leinster), CJ Stander (Munster).
Replacements: N Scannell, D Kilcoyne (both Munster), A Porter (Leinster), T Beirne (Munster), J Conan, L McGrath (both Leinster), J Carty (Connacht), C Farrell (Munster)