Andy Farrell is considering making a number of changes to the team that beat France as Ireland look to back up that opening night win when they face Italy at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.
Captain Peter O’Mahony has emerged as a doubt after picking up a knock against the French, while Garry Ringrose is highly unlikely to be fit despite positive noises from assistant coach Mike Catt yesterday.
“Ringer is coming through nicely. He obviously didn’t train today, but he is progressing nicely. We will see how they all pull up over the next couple of days,” said Catt.
Munster prop Oli Jager has been called up to the squad after serving as a training panellist in the build-up to the tournament, while Calvin Nash and Hugo Keenan trained yesterday despite picking up knocks in Marseille.
Farrell will inform the team of his selection this morning before their main training session of the week, while he’ll announce it publicly tomorrow afternoon.
Jack Conan and Rónan Kelleher were among the players put up for media yesterday which suggests they could have a greater involvement after coming off the bench to great effect in Marseille last Friday night.
Farrell has made changes for games against Italy in previous years, but he normally resists the urge to make wholesale alterations and has described the timing of this fixture as “tricky”.
Italy will be without talismanic back-row Sebastien Negri, while they’re sweating on the fitness of star full-back Ange Capuozzo.
Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.
News Related-
Pedestrian in his 70s dies after being struck by a lorry in Co Laois
-
Vermont shooting updates: Burlington police reveal suspect’s eerie reaction to arrest
-
Grace Dent says her ‘heart is broken’ as she exits I’m A Celebrity early
-
Stromer’s ST3 Urban E-Bike Goes Fancy With Minimalist Design, Modern Tech
-
Under-pressure Justice Minister announces review of the use of force for gardaí
-
My appearance has changed because of ageing, says Jennifer Lawrence
-
Man allegedly stabbed in the head during row in Co Wexford direct provision centre
-
Children escape without injury after petrol bomb allegedly thrown at house in Cork City
-
Wexford gardai investigating assault as man is bitten in the face during Main Street altercation
-
Child minder’s husband handed eight year sentence for abusing two children
-
The full list of the best London restaurants, cafes and takeaways revealed at the Good Food Awards
-
Mazda CEO Says EVs 'Not Taking Off' In The U.S.—Except Teslas
-
Leitrim locals set up checkpoint to deter asylum seekers
-
Ask A Doctor: Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?