Kearney gets chance to impress

IRISH coach Eddie O’Sullivan yesterday handed Leinster rookie Rob Kearney a huge opportunity to lay claim to a regular place on the national team.

With Shane Horgan struggling because of a knee injury — he starts Ireland A’s game against England Saxons next Friday — Kearney could go straight into the XV for Italy.

Geordan Murphy will also compete for the number 14 jersey while the only other position in doubt is scrum-half, where coach Eddie O’Sullivan must choose between Peter Stringer and Eoin Reddan.