Farrell: 'We expect a fantastic performance at the weekend to kick us off in the right manner'

Andy Farrell named a strong starting XV to face Pool B minnows Romania that marks a return from suspension for captain Johnny Sexton at fly-half.

FULL STEAM AHEAD: Captain Jonathan Sexton, right, and Head Coach Andy Farrell during an Ireland are ready to go full steam ahead in their opening RWC game against Romania on Saturday. Pic:Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Andy Farrell has selected an Ireland team to go “full steam ahead” when the Six Nations champions get their World Cup campaign underway on Saturday.

The head coach on Thursday named a strong starting XV to face Pool B minnows Romania that marks a return from suspension for captain Johnny Sexton at fly-half and six World Cup debutants including 22-year-old second row Joe McCarthy.