Joe Schmidt Has Named His Irish Team To Take On Italy

Joe Schmidt has named his side for this weekend’s clash with Italy as his Ireland side search for their first win in this year’s RBS Six Nations.

The pack remains unchanged with Leinster young gun Josh Van Der Flier retaining his spot in the backrow. CJ Stander starts his fourth consecutive game and the two are joined by Jamie Heaslip who starts in his usual eight position.

The backline is extremely conservative and may upset a lot of Irish fans with Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey not even in the matchday squad. Simon Zebo starts at fullback in place of the injured Rob Kearney with Jared Payne back partnering Robbie Henshaw in the centre.