Ireland v Italy
24th August - Ravenhill

Eddie has announced he will put out his strongest team available, to play Italy on Friday. Most of the players still need crucial match time before their first game of the world cup on the 9th September.
Due to injuries O’Driscoll, Horgan and David Wallace will not be available until Ireland’s second world cup match against Georgia.
Over the years Italy has grown as a rugby nation especially since the countires addition to the Six Nations, they are becoming harder and harder to beat. It should prove a good warm up for the team and will allow Eddie to move some players around during the match.

Ireland: G Dempsey; G Murphy, A Trimble, G D’Arcy, D Hickie; R O’Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, R Best, J Hayes, P O’Connell, capt, D O’Callaghan, S Easterby, N Best, D Leamy.
Replacements: J Flannery, S Best, M O’Kelly, S Ferris, I Boss, P Wallace, B Carney.