Luke Fitzgerald has been handed a start at inside-centre for Ireland's opening World Cup fixture against Canada on Saturday.

The Leinster wing has been given the responsibility to switch position for the Pool D game in Cardiff, while Keith Earls has recovered from his recent injury problems to take his place on the left wing.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will use Ulster lock Iain Henderson in the second row, but Simon Zebo is forced to settle for a spot on the bench.

Robbie Henshaw has been ruled out of the game due to a tight hamstring but should be fit to be available for the second game against Romania.

Ireland: Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Iain Henderson, Paul O'Connell, Peter O'Mahony, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip, Conor Murray, Jonathan Sexton, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Jared Payne, Dave Kearney, Rob Kearney

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Nathan White, Donnacha Ryan, Chris Henry, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Simon Zebo