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Ireland will play their third match of the World Cup when they face Italy this Sunday at 4.45pm at the Olympic Stadium in London.
This is likely to be Ireland’s toughest game of the tournament so far, after strong wins against Canada (50-7) and Romania (44-10).
Rob Kearney hasn’t recovered from injury sustained against Romania so Simon Zebo starts at full-back. Tommy Bowe gets the nod ahead of Luke Fitzgerald on the wing (Fitzgerald is on the bench) and Robbie Henshaw makes his first appearance of the tournament after recovering from injury. He’s joined by Keith Earls in a new centre partnership.
In the pack, Jack McGrath is picked at prop with Cian Healy on the bench.
It’s pretty much a full strength Irish side.
Ireland have showed some nice touches in the two games so far but still have room for improvement. Italy beat Ireland two years ago in the Six Nations, 22-15, which has been their only win out of 12 games against Ireland. Since then, though, Ireland are a much different side, with a new coach and back-to-back Six Nations titles.
While Italy have won only one game of the last 10 and are currently beset with injuries.
Even buoyed by the return of inspirational captain, Sergio Parisse (one of the best players in the world) Italy will struggle to keep Ireland within 10 points.
Of course, Japan have prove that nothing is impossible in rugby, but I think Ireland will prove too strong.
Ireland: 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O’Brien, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Paul O’Connell (c), 4 Iain Henderson, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Jack McGrath
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Nathan White, 19 Devin Toner, 20 Chris Henry, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Luke Fitzgerald
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.