Leinster lock Leo Cullen has been named as skipper for Ireland’s Pool C clash with Russia on Sunday.

In one of nine changes to the side, Cullen will receive the captaincy on his tournament debut, having not featured in Ireland’s 2003 and 2007 World Cup campaigns.

Regular captain Brian O'Driscoll is rested as Keith Earls shifts to centre, partnering with number 12 Paddy Wallace, while Fergus McFadden and Andrew Trimble come in on the wings.

Ronan O'Gara starts at fly-half alongside Isaac Boss and Tony Buckley, Sean Cronin and Donnacha Ryan get starts in the pack.

Ireland: Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Keith Earls, Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble, Ronan O'Gara, Isaac Boss, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, Donnacha Ryan, Leo Cullen (c), Donncha O'Callaghan, Tony Buckley, Sean Cronin, Cian Healy

Replacements: Rory Best, Mike Ross, Denis Leamy, Shane Jennings, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Geordan Murphy