Sexton in as Schmidt rings the changes to face Russia

Johnny Sexton will return to the Ireland starting line-up on Thursday as Joe Schmidt’s team bids to reignite their World Cup Pool A campaign against Russia with a much-changed XV.

Sexton, 34, is one of 11 new faces in the Ireland team which must pick up the pieces following last Saturday’s shock defeat to hosts Japan in Shizuoka. Jordi Murphy is handed the No 8 jersey for the fifth time in his 29-cap Test career having only linked up with the squad yesterday following his arrival in Tokyo on Sunday as a back-row replacement for the injured Jack Conan.