Pool opener.

Rob Kearney and Keith Earls are both set to miss out on selection for Ireland’s World Cup pool opener with Scotland on Sunday despite the fact that Andy Farrell set both should be available for selection following respective injuries.

Earls has been struggling with a quad injury since the game against Wales at the Aviva, while Kearney has been dealing with calf issues this week. Robbie Henshaw meanwhile has already been ruled out with a hamstring problem.

Andrew Conway and Jordan Larmour are now expected to replace Kearney and Earls according to Rugby Pass, with Schmidt surprisingly set to go with Conway at fullback – a position he has only played in once for Ireland.

Conway’s potential selection at fullback, however, could no doubt prove to be a very popular one with the Munster star seen as a much safer option than Larmour in such a pivotal position. Conway has proved for Munster time and time again he has all the tools to slot in at 15.

Elsewhere Garry Ringrose looks to have beaten off competition from Chris Farrell to partner Bundee Aki in the centre in Henshaw’s absence, while Jack Conan hasn’t done enough it seems to displace CJ Stander.

IRELAND (probable, versus Scotland)

A Conway; J Larmour, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Stockdale; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, T Furlong, I Henderson, J Ryan, P O’Mahony, J van der Flier, CJ Stander.