O’Connell 'hates rehab process so much'

Though he is confident of being fit for the make-or-break showdown against Italy on October 2, Paul O’Connell admits he hasn’t enjoyed being forced to sit out training while waiting for a hamstring strain to heal.

With Leo Cullen and Donnacha Ryan taking part against Russia, Declan Kidney’s two back-up options at lock have got some World Cup game time under their belts but having been in impressive form so far in New Zealand, O’Connell is determined to have an impact against the Azzurri.