Joe Schmidt has confirmed that Johnny Sexton will be fit to face Argentina in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup, naming the fly-half in the starting lineup for the last-eight clash.

Sexton limped out of the 24-9 win over France last weekend after injuring his groin, but has proven his fitness as Ireland look to reach the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time.

With retiring captain Paul O'Connell ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a hamstring injury in the match at the Millennium Stadium last weekend, Jamie Heaslip will captain the side in his 80th appearance for the team.

There are three changes from the France match as Iain Henderson, who replaced O'Connell after he was injured last weekend, comes into the starting lineup, while Jordi Murphy is in for the injured Peter O'Mahony, and Chris Henry starts in place of the suspended Sean O'Brien.

Ireland: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Iain Henderson, Jordi Murphy, Chris Henry, Jamie Heaslip
Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Jack McGrath, Nathan White, Donnacha Ryan, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald