Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has made 12 changes to his side for Saturday's crunch Pool A clash with Samoa in the Rugby World Cup.
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt says Johnny Sexton will be fit to face Samoa despite playing just one half of the win against Russia.
Robbie Henshaw is yet to feature for Ireland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and Joe Schmidt remains reluctant to risk him against Russia.
Only four players remain from Ireland's stunning defeat to Japan, as Johnny Sexton captains his country for the first time against Russia.
Ireland were beaten by Japan without Jack Conan and will now be without the back row for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has made four changes for the Pool A clash against hosts Japan, with Jack Carty starting at fly-half.
Johnny Sexton and Rory Best led the way as Ireland's thumping win over Scotland affirmed their credentials as Rugby World Cup challengers.
Ireland downed Scotland in their Rugby World Cup opener and should have Johnny Sexton available for next weekend's second Pool A game.
The enthusiasm of Jordan Larmour, Andrew Conway and Jacob Stockdale can spur Ireland on against Scotland, according to Joe Schmidt.
Keith Earls and Rob Kearney have been left out of Ireland's Rugby World Cup Pool A clash with Scotland amid fitness concerns.