Denise O'Sullivan starts for Ireland but Matildas superstar Sam Kerr ruled out of World Cup opener

The Chelsea forward injured a calf in training. 

OUT: Australia's captain Sam Kerr, right, and head coach Tony Gustavsson attend a press conference at Stadium Australia this week. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Denise O'Sullivan has won her race to be fit for Ireland's World Cup opener against co-hosts Australia on Thursday morning. 

The Cork playmaker was rushed to hospital after an abandoned warm-up game against Colombia last Friday.