Joe Schmidt is ready to unleash the ‘physical animal’.
Ultan Dillane’s 15-minute cameo off the bench, against England, has given Schmidt an irresistible selection urge.
Shorn of the ball-carrying capabilities of Iain Henderson and Sean O’Brien, Schmidt looks set to give Dillane the starting nod to face Italy.
The out-halves, front and back rows are likely to remain unchanged and Schmidt, barring a change of heart in the morning, will go with the backline that started the 15-15 draw with Wales.
Rob Kearney’s hamstring tweak – his second in a month – has presented a selection dilemma. Schmidt can choose from Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Jared Payne, Ian Madigan or Simon Zebo.
Despite a yearning, in many quarters, for Payne to be given a couple of games at 15, Schmidt is lining up Zebo for the role. The Munster man played fullback against Wales and performed well in the role against Italy during the World Cup.
Zebo for Kearney opens up Payne to re-take his spot at outside centre. This would be slightly harsh on Stuart McCloskey but, it must be noted, Schmidt barely mentioned him when foisting praise upon Dillane and Josh van der Flier in Twickenham.
SPORTSJOE’S PREDICTED XV
15. Simon Zebo
14. Andrew Trimble
13. Jared Payne
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Keith Earls
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Ultan Dillane
5. Devin Toner
6. CJ Stander
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jamie Heaslip
Replacements: R Strauss, C Healy, White, Ryan, Ruddock, Marmion, Madigan, McFadden.
