We can’t say we’re shocked.
But that doesn’t make the disappointment this evening any less frustrating as reports this evening have all but confirmed that Ireland will have to do without two key men for Sunday’s clash with Italy.
Rob Kearney and Jared Payne have both been ruled out of the match in the Olympic Park due to injury, with the centre suffering from a bruised foot, while Kearney has not recovered from a glute injury picked up in last week’s win over Romania.
The injures mean that Simon Zebo is likely to continue at full-back for Sunday’s match, while Robbie Henshaw set to start his first World Cup game in place of the New Zealand man.
The Ireland XV for the weekend will be confirmed by Joe Schmidt tomorrow.
