Jared Payne returns to centre; no place for Stuart McCloskey in matchday squad

As expected, Jared Payne has returned to the starting line-up for Ireland’s match against Italy in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Joe Schmidt announced his squad for the game this afternoon and has named Payne to start at 13 alongside Robbie Henshaw.

Despite impressing in a centre partnership with Henshaw against England two weeks ago, there will be no second cap for Stuart McCloskey who hasn’t been included in the squad.

At the press conference Schmidt cited lack of versatility as the reason McCloskey was left out, saying that having him on the bench would create a “concertina effect” if a substitution was necessary. There is also no place in the squad for Paddy Jackson.

Simon Zebo starts at fullback in place of the injured Rob Kearney, with Andrew Trimble and Keith Earls on the wings. Conor Murray and Jonny Sexton continue in the half-backs.

Up front, captain Rory Best is joined by Jack McGrath and Mike Ross in the front row, with Cian Healy named on the bench. Donnacha Ryan and Devin Toner lock down together, while Josh van der Flier retains his place in the back row, joining CJ Stander and number eight Jamie Heaslip.

Here's your Ireland team to play Italy #IREvITA #ShoulderToShoulder #RBS6 Nations pic.twitter.com/AQNWq5wnDs

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 10, 2016

Ireland team: Simon Zebo, Andrew Trimble, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rory Best - capt., Mike Ross; Donnacha Ryan, Devin Toner; CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Nathan White, Ultan Dillane, Rhys Ruddock, Kieran Marmion, Ian Madigan, Fergus McFadden.