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Ireland’s two injury concerns, Jared Payne and Rob Kearney, have both been left out of the matchday squad for this weekend’s game against Italy.

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.

Canada hooker Ray Barkwill admitted it was a privilege to play opposite Ireland’s Rory Best in Cardiff on Saturday, but insisted his teammates would not be starstruck as they battle to qualify from Pool D.

Joe Schmidt’s men beat Canada by 50-7 at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.