Munster star Ronan O’Gara assumes kicking duties, with Jonathan Sexton dropping to the bench.

The game will also see Leo Cullen captain the side on his World Cup debut.

Fergus McFadden makes his first appearance in a Rugby World Cup and starts on the right wing.

Keith Earls moves from the wing to outside centre alongside Paddy Wallace, who also makes his debut in the tournament.

Andrew Trimble is named on the left wing, while O'Gara and Isaac Boss start as the halfback partnership.

Sean Cronin makes the switch with Rory Best from the replacements to start at hooker, with Tony Buckley also making his first start at tight head prop.

There is a change in the back row as Donnacha Ryan starts at blind side in place of Stephen Ferris.

The final change to the side is Cullen, who comes into the team in place of Paul O'Connell.

Kick-off at the Rotorua International Stadium is at 6pm local time (6am Irish time).

IRELAND V Russia: R Kearney, F McFadden, K Earls, P Wallace, A Trimble, R O’Gara, I Boss, C Healy, S Cronin, T Buckley, D O’Callaghan, L Cullen (Capt), D Ryan, S O’Brien, J Heaslip.

Replacements: R Best, M Ross, D Leamy, S Jennings, E Reddan, J Sexton, G Murphy.