There was obviously doubts about the health of both Jared Payne and Rob Kearney, but now both players have been ruled out of this Sunday's game. Neither player has been able to prove their fitness in time to be named in Ireland's team for Italy.
The Irish Times are reporting that Zebo is now likely to keep the fullback jersey on the week that his grandfather died. Kearney has struggled with a glute strain, and Payne has a bruised foot but both are expected to return in this tournament.
Henshaw and Henderson are also both likely to be named in the starting team. Henshaw has been held back over a hamstring issue, while Henderson has been pulling up trees as he looks to start over Devin Toner.
Schmidt is expected to name close to a full-strength side tomorrow, but it's not clear who will partner Henshaw in the centres in Payne's absence.
See Also: Why Jared Payne Is Actually The Answer To Our Centre Problems
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
