Rugby World Cup
Ireland vs. Italy: Payne and Rob Kearney out of Schmidt's experienced side
ESPN Staff
October 2, 2015
Ireland 'desperate' for quarterfinal qualification
Jared Payne and Rob Kearney will miss Ireland's Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Italy on Sunday through injury. Keith Earls, who needs one try to become his country's outright top try scorer in World Cups, has been shifted to outside centre as a result and Simon Zebo will continue at fullback. Kearney picked up a gluteal strain in their win over Romania while Payne suffered a bruised foot but, in better news for Ireland, they have been able to call on Robbie Henshaw for the first time in this tournament, with the Connacht centre selected at No.12.
Italy believe they can beat Ireland
%]Coach Joe Schmidt made 11 changes to the side that faced Romania for this weekend's game at the Olympic Stadium and has picked a starting XV that boasts 703 caps, their most experienced of tournament so far, with players who have accrued a further 275 caps on the bench. Tommy Bowe has kept his place on the wing, with the back three completed by Dave Kearney and, elsewhere, Jack McGrath edged Cian Healy for the loose-head spot. Iain Henderson was chosen to partner returning captain Paul O'Connell in the locks. Ireland: S Zebo (Munster), T Bowe (Ulster), K Earls (Munster), R Henshaw (Connacht), D Kearney, J Sexton (both Leinster), C Murray (Munster), J McGrath (Leinster), R Best (Ulster), M Ross (Leinster), I Henderson (Ulster), P O'Connell (capt, Toulon), P O'Mahony (Munster), S O'Brien, J Heaslip (both Leinster). Replacements: S Cronin, C Healy (both Leinster), N White (Connacht), D Toner (Leinster), C Henry (Ulster), E Reddan, I Madigan, L Fitzgerald (all Leinster). © ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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