The Ireland 23 We Want To See Against Italy On Saturday

Ireland host Italy this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium [kick-off: 8pm], in the first of their warm-up games ahead of the World Cup in September.

It can feel fruitless at times picking a team for such a game, given the size of the squad and countless options and combos available to Farrell.

However, there are a few players that need to be seen and that need starts, and with nothing riding on the result, a fairly experimental 23 is likely.

Also, with Ireland's first two World Cup games coming against the easiest opposition in their pool, it will allow Farrell to rest more of the front-liners during the warm-ups, if he so wishes.

Dave Kilcoyne - Loose Head Prop

An injury to either Porter or Healy will see Killer having a major role to play at the World Cup, and he has been lacking high-quality minutes after being usurped by Jeremy Loughman at Munster.

A good opportunity to show he is still test quality and ease concerns that some may have after his selection ahead of his provincial teammate.

Tom Stewart - Hooker

With Kelleher's injury history, Stewart has a very real chance at playing some sort of role in the World Cup, and should be capped ASAP.

Check his odds on being first try scorer.

Tadhg Furlong - Tight Head Prop

Furlong looked off the pace in his recent outings for both Leinster and Ireland, and needs minutes to get back to full fitness and form.

His presence would be a welcome one for the debutant inside him.

Joe McCarthy - Lock

His selection in the training squad was a big vote of confidence from Andy Farrell given McCarthy's lack of international experience and his lack of minutes this season.

However, he did have a nearly game-changing cameo in the URC final against Munster, and deserves a shot to build on this form.

James Ryan - Lock

Ryan will act as an experienced presence in an experimental side, and with the captaincy still under question, given Sexton's suspension, another game donning the armband will stand to him.

Cian Prendergast - Blindside Flanker

Another seriously in form player, and someone who is fighting for one of those final undecided World Cup spots.

Josh van der Flier - Openside Flanker

The only regular openside in the squad, and an another vastly experienced head who will be needed in amongst the new kids.

Gavin Coombes - Number Eight

One of the most in-form players over the last 2-3 seasons, not just in Ireland, but in Europe.

Very unlucky not have more Ireland caps, and while he will be doing well to make the final squad, nobody is more deserving of a chance to stake a claim.

Jamison Gibson-Park - Scrum-Half

It would be nice to see Casey here, but an imperative selection for Farrell is Crowley at 10, and it will be of great benefit to see him alongside Ireland's first-choice scrummie.

Jack Crowley - Out-Half

One of the more obvious choices to start, in a team which could really have any members of the squad involved.

Time to put serious pressure on Ross Byrne for the the back-up 10 jersey.

Jacob Stockdale - Left Wing

There were glimmers of the old Stockdale at times last season.

Farrell has shown faith, and we might as well see if there is a chance he could be back near his best.

Stuart McCloskey - Inside Centre

Like Gavin Coombes, McCloskey could have another stormer and still miss out on the World Cup due to the talent ahead of him.

Nonetheless, he remains one of the most entertaining players on the island when in full flow, and will act as a useful foil for Crowley.

Garry Ringrose - Outside Centre

Nothing much to be said other than being a familiar face to give Crowley as easy a ride as possible.

Keith Earls - Right Wing

We're not sure on the match fitness of Conway after his lengthy lay-off, and like Kilcoyne, Earls will be eager to prove his worth despite losing his place at Munster.

Mack Hansen - Fullback

In Ireland's first-choice 23, Hansen provides the fullback cover but has yet to get minutes here internationally, and has only five starts at 15 over the course of his career.

Surely Farrell has to play him here at some stage during the warm-ups?

Replacements:

Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Tom O'Toole, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony, Caolin Blade, Ciarán Frawley, Andrew Conway.