FORMER Leinster and Italy out-half Ian McKinley is looking forward to watching Ireland begin their World Cup warm-up this weekend with a visit from Italy in Dublin.
With two other warm-up games against England and Samoa in August, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has offered several fringe players a chance to stake their claim for inclusion in his final 33-man squad for next month’s World Cup in France.
Italy coach Kieran Crowley has also made nine starting line-up changes to help him assess his selection choices in what will be a second preparatory game for Italy, whose experimental outfit were beaten 25-13 by Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend.
Irish-born fly-half McKinley made his debut for the Azzurri late in 2017, having qualified through residency, and is uniquely placed to provide insight to both sides, having played and coached in Ireland as well as witnessing the next generation of Italian players coming through the ranks during his time there.
Despite the Italian national side’s trajectory not always being upwardly linear over the years, McKinley is optimistic about the current crop of players and the competition for places ahead of the World Cup which, he says, will give them more strength in depth than may have previously been the case.
“From an Italy point of view, it’s probably a stronger team than was picked against Scotland last week so it’s good to see guys getting the chance to fight for a starting jersey,’’ says McKinley.
‘‘A few players to note would be the new caps – it is always exciting to see new guys break into the team and push for a place.
“Dino Lamb is getting a chance to start in the second row. Also, Paolo Odogwu will make his first Italy appearance and he will be one to watch because he’s an exciting player and different to the other options on the wing in that he provides a strong carrying option.
‘‘There was a lot of chat about whether or not he would play for England, but Italy got him in the end.”
Former Sale and Wasps player Odogwu, who is selected on the right wing, trained with England during Eddie Jones’ reign without being capped which allows him to play for Italy as he qualifies through his father.
Harlequins’ ex-England U20 international Lamb will also be looking to stake a claim for a place in the World Cup squad, providing a physical and dynamic presence at lock or in the back-row.
The former out-half is also looking forward to watching an exciting and dynamic Italian back-line play with the freedom that a warm-up game such as this affords.
“Another player with huge potential is Tommaso Menoncello. His stock is rising, and he is already a very accomplished player, despite still only being 20 years old.
Juan Ignacio Brez will be his new centre partner so it will be interesting to watch how that partnership functions against quality opposition.
“The most dangerous player for Ireland to watch out for would probably be Monty Ioane, who lines up on the left wing. He is a handful at his best and had a pretty decent game against Scotland last week.”
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is also taking the opportunity to mix things up with the introduction of Ulster hooker Tom Stewart, who is set to make his Ireland debut having been named among the replacements alongside fellow uncapped players Ciaran Frawley and Calvin Nash.
Ireland will be keen to maintain the momentum generated by a 10-game winning run which featured a series win away in New Zealand and a Six Nations Grand Slam.
Ireland’s talismanic captain Johnny Sexton is the only player from Ireland’s 41-man squad to be unavailable as he begins his three-match ban following his aggressive confrontation of a match official during the Champions Cup final in May.
McKinley believes the question over who will deputise for Sexton at this World Cup is still very much a live one.
“From an Ireland point of view, the thing that of course stands out would be Jack Crowley starting, with Sexton being out for these warm-up games.
‘‘It means there is a two-way battle for the 10 jersey in these warm-up games between him and Ross Byrne.
‘‘Ciaran Frawley is in the mix and can cover there as well. It will be interesting to see who puts their hand up as the guy who can step in for Sexton.
“Crowley forms an all-Munster half-back partnership with Craig Casey so that will help him as they have played together before.
“Henderson is captaining the side and partners Joe McCarthy who makes his first start so it will be good to see how he gets on. Farrell has gone for that mix of youth and experience.
“There’s plenty of experience in the back three as well, with Stockdale being given an opportunity to push for a regular spot in Andy Farrell’s plans after a bit of time out of the starting team and Earls bringing his experience on the occasion of his 99th cap.
“The most exciting part of the team is that strong back-row, with Jack Conan at No 8, Ryan Baird at 6 and Caelan Doris wearing the 7 jersey which will hopefully help build their depth at openside.
“Coombes may feature more in the next couple of games and he’s a great option given his athleticism and power.
“I think the big point of difference against Italy will be that powerful Ireland back-row. I think Italy will have a hard job attempting to keep them quiet.
‘‘These games are all about learning something and trying out new combinations, so I look forward to what extent these games help to answer some of the questions for both of these sides ahead of the World Cup.”
Ireland v Italy kicks off at 8pm at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday 5th August. The game is being shown live in the UK on Amazon Prime. It is also being shown on RTE 2 and the RTE Player.
