Schmidt holds off on injured duo decision

Rugby World Cup Pool D

Ireland team management last night refused to rule out Jared Payne or Rob Kearney from Sunday’s World Cup Pool D showdown with Italy but the backs look set to be omitted from the matchday squad Joe Schmidt will name this afternoon.

Payne has been unable to train at all this week as he has undergone treatment for a bruised foot suffered in the 44-10 victory over Romania at Wembley last Sunday while Kearney suffered a gluteal strain in the same game and only resumed work with the Irish squad on Wednesday.