Henshaw to make World Cup debut
The 22-year-old – who many believe could be as great a player as Irish icon Brian O'Driscoll – will have Keith Earls alongside him as regular centre partner Jared Payne has not recovered from a bruised foot.
Earls needs just one try to become Ireland's all-time leading World Cup try scorer. Having scored two in the 44-10 win over Romania, Earls is presently tied with the retired O'Driscoll on seven.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt also had to scratch first choice fullback Rob Kearney from the starting line-up as the British and Irish Lion strained a gluteal muscle scoring a try in the trouncing of Romania.
He is replaced by Simon Zebo, who produced a vibrant performance in the fullback role against the Romanians. Zebo's joy quickly turned to grief with the death of his grandfather last Sunday – he was allowed to fly back to Ireland for the funeral during the week.
As a result of the change in positions veteran wing Tommy Bowe gets a start. Although he scored two tries last Sunday, his place had been in doubt after a poor performance in a warm-up Test against hosts England.
Kearney's brother Dave starts on the other wing for the Six Nations champions, who have a side packed with experience captained by Paul O'Connell.
After two comfortable wins, victory over Italy would see Ireland seal their place in the quarterfinals and also assure France of a last eight spot.
The two sides play each other in the final Pool D game on October 11 with the winner topping the table and avoiding a likely quarter-final against New Zealand who are close to sealing first place in Pool C.
Ireland: 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (captain), 4 Iain Henderson, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Nathan White, 19 Devin Toner, 20 Chris Henry, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Luke Fitzgerald.
Date: Sunday, October 4
Venue: Olympic Stadium, London
Kick-off: 16.45 (15.45 GMT; 17.45 Italian time)
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant referees: Pascal Gauzère (France), Angus Gardner (Australia)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
Agence France-Presse
