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Rob Kearney, the established first-choice 15, sustained an injury against Romania on Sunday, having come on as a replacement, while Simon Zebo has left the World Cup squad on compassionate leave following the death of his grandfather.

Ireland know that their meetings with Italy and France should decide Pool D, with a potential quarter-final against Argentina in the offing.

He can be nearly too good for Ireland’s good. However, when Joe Schmidt reviewed the kicking game of this weekend’s opponents he would have recognised that one of the undoubted strengths of his side also happens to be a real weakness for Romania.

Utilising the full depth of a 31-man squad has been a recurring mantra from head coaches at this Rugby World Cup and Joe Schmidt was no exception when he made wholesale changes for Ireland’s Pool D clash with Romania. Jonny Sexton is not part of this week’s squad.

New Zealand are now third on the worldwide Cricket Council one-day rankings list, one point ahead of fourth-placed South Africa.

However, Amla and Rilee Rossouw took the game to the New Zealand bowlers and quickly established a strong partnership at the crease.

New Zealand are without captain Brendon McCullum and paceman Tim Southee, who have been rested.