Kleyn in line to make Irish debut as team is named for first World Cup warm up

Jean Kleyn is set to win his first Irish cap after being named in Joe Schmidt’s starting lineup that plays Italy at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

The South African born second row only recently qualified to play for his adopted country but has been with the squad since their preparations for the World Cup began.

Tommy O’Donnell also makes a welcome return to Irish action for the first time since 2016, while Joey Carbery, Chris Farrell and Andrew Conway are the other Munster players picked to start the game.

Mike Haley could also make his Irish debut after being named among the replacements alongside fellow Munster men Niall Scannell, John Ryan and Tadhg Beirne.

Team in full: Jordan Larmour; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Garry Ringrose, Dave Kearney, Joey Carbery, Luke McGrath; Jack McGrath, Rob Herring, Andrew Porter; Devin Toner, Jean Kleyn; Rhys Ruddock (c), Tommy O’Donnell, Jordi Murphy.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Cian Healy, John Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Iain Henderson, Kieran Marmion, Jack Carty, Mike Haley.

Conor O’Shea has also named the Italy team that will face Ireland in Dublin. The Azzurri have been training at the University of Limerick in preparation for Saturday’s game.