Ireland Team To Face Italy: Schmidt Opts For Two Changes

Jared Payne has returned from injury to to face Italy. Schmidt reunites the Ulster back with Robbie Henshaw in the centres, with Stuart McCloskey dropping out altogether.

Rob Kearney and Eoin Reddan haven't been able to prove their fitness, bringing Simon Zebo into the fullback spot, and Kieran Marmion onto the bench.

Ultan Dillane gets another chance from the bench, and Josh van der Flier keeps his place ahead of Tommy O'Donnell. The pack in general remains unchanged, with Sean Cronin the only forward in the squad who didn't feature against England.

In the backs, Zebo gets another opportunity to attack from full-back, and Schmidt has plucked for the versatility of Fergus McFadden on the bench.

Schmidt has said in his post match press conference that Stuart McCloskey doesn't offer enough versatility to allow him to be played on the bench.

Ireland Team To Face Italy

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