Kearney and Payne out for Italy clash

Fullback Rob Kearney and centre Jared Payne are both unavailable for Ireland's crucial World Cup clash with Italy on Sunday.

Simon Zebo has taken the starting fifteen jersey in lieu of the unavailable Kearney and Keith Earls comes into the midfield for the Pool D clash at London's Olympic Stadium.

Rob Kearney suffered a gluteal strain in the process of scoring Ireland's fifth try in their 44-10 victory over Romania at Wembley last weekend, and was unable to recover in time for this weekend’s encounter.

Payne also suffered his injury against the Romanians, and did not train on Wednesday - the pivotal day for players to prove their fitness.

Connacht centre Robbie Henshaw will make his World Cup bow after missing the first two matches of the tournament with a hamstring issue.

A win would secure Ireland’s berth in the quarter-finals before even having to play France, so head coach Joe Schmidt has opted to play his strongest available starting XV.

Jack McGrath retains his place at loosehead prop, despite Cian Healy’s return to fitness after neck surgery.

Ulster powerhouse Iain Henderson partners captain Paul O'Connell at lock, with the tournament's tallest player, the 6ft 11in Devin Toner, offering cover from the bench.

Ireland team to play Italy: S Zebo; T Bowe, K Earls, R Henshaw, D Kearney; J Sexton, C Murray; J McGrath, R Best, M Ross; I Henderson, P O'Connell (capt); P O'Mahony, S O'Brien, J Heaslip.

Replacements: S Cronin, C Healy, N White, D Toner, C Henry, E Reddan, I Madigan, L Fitzgerald