Stephen Ferris: 'Iain Henderson should start against Canada'

Stephen Ferris has urged Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt to start Iain Henderson in their World Cup opener against Canada.

After a worrying display in defeat to England in their final warm-up match, Ferris believes that it is clear the team need an injection of energy and he has backed Henderson to make an impact should he be selected for Saturday's game.

"We are missing that little bit of go forward and that's why I think it's so important Iain Henderson is in the team, but in the back row," Ferris wrote in his BBC Sport column.

"I would keep Devin Toner at lock alongside Paul O'Connell because in the back row you can use your energy a little more efficiently by carrying ball and making big tackles. That's what Henderson is good at."

Henderson has won 19 caps for Ireland.