Sexton starts for Ireland against Argentina

Ireland have named their team to play Argentina in the Rugby World Cup quarter final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and have included Jonny Sexton at flyhalf.

Sexton went off injured in Ireland’s victory over France last week but has recovered from the injury and starts in the quarter final.

The news is big boost for Ireland who lost lock Paul O’Connell and flanker Peter O’Mahony for the rest of the tournament.

In a further blow for Ireland Sean O’Brien was banned for a week for punching French lock Pascal Pape in the stomach.

Iain Henderson, who has had an outstanding tournament, comes in to the second row to partner Devin Toner, with Jordi Murphy and Chris Henry filling the flanking vacancies left by O’Mahony and O’Brien.

The Irish – who will be captained by No.8 Jamie Heaslip – are bidding to reach the semi-finals for the first time.

The Argentinians were in the last four in 2007 having beaten Ireland along the way in the pool stage.

Ireland

Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney; Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Jamie Heaslip (capt), Chris Henry, Jordi Murphy; Iain Henderson, Devin Toner; Mike Ross, Rory Best, Cian Healy

Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Jack McGrath, Nathan White, Donnacha Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald