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Strong Irish side named for World Cup warm up test against Wales

Rob Kearney, Johnny Sexton and Paul O'Connell have all been named to start Ireland's latest World Cup warm-up game against Wales on Saturday. 

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Dave Kearney and Keith Earls man the wings, with Luke Fitzgerald partnering Robbie Henshaw in the centre. 

There's a three-quarters partnership of Sexton and Conor Murray. 

Nathan White and Jack McGrath start in the front row, either side of Richardt Strauss. 

Behind them, a second row of Paul O'Connell and Iain Henderson. 

Jamie Heaslip is at number 8, with Peter O'Mahony and Jordi Murphy completing the back row. 

 

George North will make his first international appearance since March when he starts Saturday's game. 

The winger wins his 50th cap in the process, while there's a debut for Exeter prop Tomas Francis. 

Alun Wyn Jones captains the side from the second row, with regular captain Sam Warburton not included in the matchday panel due to a pinched nerve in his shoulder. 

Sam Burgess has been included in England's World Cup squad, less than a year after switching from rugby league. 

His inclusion sees Luther Burrell miss out. 

Danny Cipriani is also excluded, with Owen Farrell and George Ford the preferred out halves. 

England open up their Pool A campaign against Fiji at Twickenham on September 18th. 

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