Irish fly-half Johnny Sexton is expected to start their World Cup quarter-final against Argentina on Sunday in Cardiff after recovering from a groin problem.
The 30-year-old — who went off in the first-half of the 24-9 win over France last Sunday — has provided a rare bit of good news for the Irish this week.
Iconic captain and lock Paul O’Connell and flanker Peter O’Mahony were ruled out of the rest of the tournament with injuries and the man-of-the-match against France, 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.
Team (15-1)
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
Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL)