Midfield pair out to make mark

NEW ZEALAND might be far away in many senses for Darren Cave and Eoin O’Malley right now, but Ireland’s potential future centre partnership have more pressing issues back home.

The absence of the big guns who are about to embark on their World Cup odyssey has thrust more responsibility on the duo’s shoulders, as they look to find early-season form in the RaboDirect Pro12.

Ulster midfield man Cave is just 24 but is looking to make up for lost time, and will partner Nevin Spence against Aironi in Viadana tomorrow (3pm).