Rugby World Cup 2019: Rob Kearney and Peter O’Mahony return to Ireland side for quarter-final against New Zealand

Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton become Ireland’s most capped halfback pairing

Harry Latham-Coyle
Thursday 17 October 2019 10:11 BST
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Rugby World Cup 2019 in numbers

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Ireland have recalled experienced duo Peter O’Mahony and Rob Kearney for their quarter-final clash with New Zealand.

With Bundee Aki suspended, Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose start in the centres, while Rory Best captains the side at hooker on his 124th Ireland appearance.

Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray become Ireland’s most capped halfback pairing, starting together for the 56th time.

Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong join Best in the front row.

Iain Henderson partners James Ryan at lock, with Tadhg Beirne held in reserve.

O’Mahony starts ahead of the impressive Rhys Ruddock on the blindside, with CJ Stander and Josh van der Flier also in the back row.

There is no place in the back three for Jordan Larmour, man of the match against Samoa, or Andrew Conway.

Jacob Stockdale starts on the left wing with Keith Earls on the right, and Kearney back into the side at full-back.

It is an Ireland starting line-up containing 12 of the 15 players who started last November’s win over the All Blacks in Dublin.

Ireland team to play New Zealand (Tokyo Stadium, October 19, 11.15am BST)

15. Rob Kearney 94 caps

14. Keith Earls 81 caps

13. Garry Ringrose 28 caps

12. Robbie Henshaw 39 caps

11. Jacob Stockdale 24 caps

10. Johnny Sexton 87 caps

9. Conor Murray 77 caps

1. Cian Healy 94 caps

2. Rory Best (capt) 123 caps

3. Tadhg Furlong 40 caps

4. Iain Henderson 52 caps

5. James Ryan 22 caps

6. Peter O’Mahony 63 caps

7. Josh van der Flier 22 caps

8. CJ Stander 37 caps

Replacements

16. Niall Scannell 19 caps

17. Dave Kilcoyne 35 caps

18. Andrew Porter 22 caps

19. Tadhg Beirne 12 caps

20. Rhys Ruddock 25 caps

21. Luke McGrath 18 caps

22. Joey Carbery 21 caps

23. Jordan Larmour 20 caps

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