Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will name his team to play Italy in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup Pool D clash at lunchtime today.
Victory in the match would see Ireland secure qualification for the quarter-final stage. It would also set up a massive clash with France the following week to determine which opponent Ireland would face in the last eight.
Schmidt is expected to name his best possible team but must juggle injury worries, with Jared Payne (bruised foot) and Rob Kearney (glute strain) the two main causes for concern.
But Robbie Henshaw, who has yet to play in the tournament, is expected to play after missing Ireland’s wins over Canada and Romania with a hamstring problem.
Schmidt must also resolve a challenging selection dilemma on the wings, where Tommy Bowe is pushing for selection after a strong display against Romania.
Dave Kearney is considered the incumbent in the right wing position, while Keith Earls has had an excellent tournament to date on the left. Simon Zebo could also be in the shake-up for selection but may be called upon to replace Kearney at full-back.
Luke Fitzgerald and Darren Cave are among those who could replace Payne in the centre.
Italy have already lost to France and must win on Sunday to sustain their hopes of qualifying for the next round.
