Sexton returns to Captain Ireland against Russia

The biggest news out of Joe Schmidt’s selection today was the news that Leinster’s Johnny Sexton returns to the squad as captain for the crucial Pool A encounter.

Head coach Joe Schmidt makes 11 changes for Thursday’s clash in Kobe following Japan defeat.

Sexton missed Ireland’s shock defeat in Shizuoka defeat due to the thigh bang he had sustained in the 27-3 bonus-point opening win over Scotland.

Schmidt has made 11 changes from the Japan defeat to take on Russia in Kobe, to account for the five-day turnaround. The fact that Sexton is playing in a pool game against Russia shows just how little room for error Ireland have.

Two bonus point wins and Ireland will be guaranteed 2nd spot in the pool and a 1/4 final against New Zealand. If Scotland were to beat the hosts, Ireland could still top the pool.

In what is a big ask physically, Garry Ringrose and Peter O’Mahony will both be starting their 3rd game in 11 days. Aki and Ringrose make up the midfield as Chris Farrell & Robbie Henshaw are out with concussion and hamstring problems respectively.

Munster provide the entire front five and 6 of the pack. Jordi Murphy is straight in after linking up with the squad this week while Joey Carbery will cover scrum-half from the bench.