Skipper Brian O’Driscoll and flanker David Wallace return to action as Ireland name a strong team for their World Cup Pool D opener with Namibia. O’Driscoll has recovered from a facial fracture while Wallace’s chronic ankle problem has eased sufficiently for him to play in Sunday’s game in Bordeaux. Andrew Trimble is named in place of the injured winger Shane Horgan, but it is now looking good for Horgan to return for the Georgia game.
Ireland Team Versus Namibia
Backs: G Dempsey, A Trimble, B O’Driscoll ©, G D’Arcy, D Hickie, R O’Gara, P Stringer.
Forwards: M Horan, R Best, J Hayes, D O’Callaghan, P O’Connell, S Easterby, D Leamy, D Wallace.
Replacements: J Flannery, N Best, M O’Kelly, S Best, I Boss, P Wallace, G Murphy.