Staking a claim for the World Cup: Ireland v Italy talking points

Ireland begin their World Cup warm-up matches by hosting Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Head coach Andy Farrell has named an experimental matchday squad for his side’s first fixture since clinching the Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam in March.

Here are some of the main talking points ahead of Saturday evening’s match...

Johnny Sexton’s three-match suspension has opened the door for his rival fly-halves to gain some much-needed international experience this month.

Jack Crowley is the first to be handed an opportunity to impress and the 23-year-old’s selection is reward for his fine form for Munster, which included United Rugby Championship glory in May.

Uncapped Ciaran Frawley awaits his chance on the bench, with fellow Leinster player Ross Byrne – Sexton’s main understudy during the Six Nations – hoping for involvement against England and Samoa in the coming weeks.

Forwards coach Paul O’Connell described game time for the rookie trio as a “real good silver lining” to Sexton’s undesirable situation.

Our first line up of the summer!