Jared Payne is out of Sunday's Rugby World Cup meeting with France after he failed to recover fully from a bruised foot which he picked up in Ireland's second pool match against Romania.
Keith Earls who replaced the Kiwi and went on to score his eighth World Cup try against Italy last Sunday, remains alongside Robbie Henshaw in the centre.
Simon Zebo's dropped from the squad altoghether and is replaced at full back by the experienced Rob Kearney in the only back line change.
Tommy Bowe and Dave Kearney retain their places on the wings.
There are two changes made to the pack with Devin Toner replacing Iain Henderson in the second row alongside skipper Paul O'Connell.
Cian Healy replaces Jack McGrath at loosehead and alongside Rory Best and Mike Ross in the front row while the back row is as you were with Peter O'Mahony, Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip completing the pack
Head coach Joe Schmidt was asked at today's team announcement if Payne's omission was one based on fitness or selection choice
A win against the French on Sunday would guarantee Ireland top spot in the pool and see them face a quarter-final against Argentina, rather than world champs New Zealand who will take on the runners up in Ireland's pool.
The team in full;
15. Rob Kearney
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Keith Earls
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Dave Kearney
10. Jonathan Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip
Replacements
16. Richardt Strauss
17. Jack McGrath
18. Nathan White
19. Iain Henderson
20. Chris Henry
21. Eoin Reddan
22. Ian Madigan
23. Luke Fitzgerald
