Ronan O'Gara has edged out David Humphreys for the fly-half position in Ireland's crucial clash with Australia this Saturday.
Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan today named his strongest Irish side yet for the Pool A game, making three changes from the fifteen who defeated Argentina last weekend.
Keith Gleeson replaces Alan Quinlan, while Anthony Foley returns to the side from injury to take Victor Costello's place.
Ireland: G Dempsey; S Horgan, B O'Driscoll, K Maggs, D Hickie; R O'Gara, P Stringer; R Corrigan, K Wood (captain), J Hayes, M O'Kelly, P O'Connell, S Easterby, K Gleeson, A Foley. Replacements: S Byrne, M Horan, D O'Callagham, E Miller, G Easterby, D Humphreys, J Kelly.