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Joe Schmidt’s Ireland has a chance to regain pole position in Pool D of the Rugby World Cup when they take on Italy, boosted by the return of inspirational captain Sergio Parisse. Join The Roar for all the action from 2:45am (AEDT).
A win for Ireland would see the men in green gain qualification for the quarter-finals, while the Azzurri must win to keep any chance of qualification alive.
Ireland will be without Rob Kearney (glut strain) and Jared Payne (bruised foot), meaning the impressive Simon Zebo retains his spot at fullback with Keith Earls shifting to outside centre and Dave Kearney promoted to the starting XV.
Schmidt has named his strongest possible side, and despite Ireland’s heavy favouritism to top the pool, the New Zealander claims he will be happy with just qualification at this stage.
“I’d be delighted to get the result,” said Schmidt after naming his side.
“It’s probably not often I say that. If I’m talking to you guys post-game and we’ve had a two-point win I’d be delighted to have qualified.
“In a tournament like this performance is obviously pivotal but I don’t think anyone’s going to complain as long as you remain alive in the tournament.
“We’re virtually now at the beginning of the knockout stages because while it might not be fatal it would be a very serious blow if we didn’t win on Sunday and for us that would make the following week a pressure-cooker that we could do without.”
Italian captain Parisse was sidelined with a calf haematoma, but after receiving surgery to reduce its size, he has been cleared by team doctors to play and is delighted to be joining his teammates for their pivotal, must-win match.
“I’m delighted to be back with the squad but it isn’t about individuals,” said the 113-cap veteran.
“Ahead of a match of this magnitude we need to respond collectively against a team that is one of the best in the world, and one that is definitely playing better than us.
“Ireland are a complete team. They play simple rugby really well, scrum well and have a good lineout, but no one player makes the different (sic). They are definitely a stronger team than us. We have to try to be competitive against a team like Ireland and play our best match of the year.
“It is a chance to make history, a small chance. I can’t say if we have a great chance of winning, but we have to fight and we will give everything to take this chance.”
Italian coach Jacques Brunei has made six changes as Matias Aguero and Andrea Manici join Lorenzo Cittadini in the front row, Simone Favaro and Francesco Minto line up with Parisse in a new-look backrow, and Michele Camapgnaro replaces Tommaso Benvenuti at outside centre.
Ireland have made 11 changes to the side that dispatched Romania last weekend, with Zebo, Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls and Jamie Heaslip the only survivors from Ireland’s 44-10 win at Wembley.
Ireland to have too much class in this one but if Italy can make life difficult at the breakdown and set-piece then a upset could be on the cards.
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.