'Full steam ahead' - Andy Farrell expects Ireland to deliver

Andy Farrell says he expects a "fantastic" performance from Ireland when they open their Rugby World Cup campaign against Romania on Saturday.

The Ireland coach is showing plenty of respect to the Oaks for their Pool B opener in Bordeaux, naming close to a full-strength side, with Johnny Sexton returning for his first game in six months following injury and suspension.

The Six Nations champions are overwhelming favourites to get their campaign under way with a bonus-point win, with the inclusions of Joe McCarthy, Rob Herring and Keith Earls the only real selections outside what would be viewed as a first-choice XV.

Farrell has also loaded his bench with experience in the form of Iain Henderson, Josh van der Flier, Conor Murray and Robbie Henshaw, to compliment the more inexperienced replacements like Jeremy Loughman, Tom O'Toole and Jack Crowley.

"We've got lots of experience and a nice blend of youth within our squad, so when we get to this stage we've got a group of 33, a pretty good squad, so it’s always going to be a strong team," Farrell said, after naming his team on Thursday afternoon.

McCarthy [below] gets the nod to partner James Ryan in the second row to win his fourth cap, and the Ireland coach said the 22-year-old has earned his place on merit.

"He deserves it, the form that he's shown not just in the games he’s played, but his preparation in the last ten or 11 weeks. He’s really progressed his game, and he deserves an opportunity to start the first game of the World Cup.

"There's no mix and match now, we have a squad of 33 that we totally believe in, whatever side we put out will be a good side, and it'll be the one that represents the group.

"I think, no matter what side we pick at this stage, it’s going to be one