Farrell open-minded over Ireland World Cup squad selection as warm-ups begin

Task of narrowing down squad will be ‘really difficult’, says incoming Ireland head coach

Gerry Thornley: Opportunity knocks for World Cup hopefuls

Warm-up clash against Italy a chance to press their case for a place in 31-man squad

Connacht coach Friend looking forward to Cardiff clash after gutsy Zebre victory

Jack Carty’s two penalties enough to take the points in Parma and keep up Champions Cup hopes

Ireland pull it out of the fire to avoid leaving Rome in ruins

Joe Schmidt’s side limp home with bonus point after poor performance at the Stadio Olimpico

Ireland look for cohesion and continuity in Rome

Joe Schmidt looking for an improved overall performance against plucky Italians

Six Nations: Italy v Ireland - Italy player profiles

Patrick Madden profiles Conor O’Shea’s starting XV for the Rome game

Kinghorn runs in hat-trick as Scotland grab bonus point

Italy score three late tries but can’t avoid 18th straight Six Nations defeat

Conor O’Shea desperate for Italy to finally fire shots at Ireland

Head coach says team is making progress and beginning to create options in all positions

France finally run clear of Italy in second half

Les Bleus secure bonus-point win in Rome to consign Italy to wooden spoon

Patient Wales move through the gears to ease past Italy

Leigh Halfpenny’s boot and three late scores end Azzurri resistance at Stadio Olimpico

Italy on the wrong end of another shock result

A week after beating South Africa, Conor O’Shea’s side lose to Tonga

Conor O’Shea’s Italy stun South Africa in Florence

‘For us, this is just a start but it’s a very good one’ - former Irish fullback delighted with win

Champions Saracens state their intent by raiding Toulon’s tower

Round-up: French club lose for first time at home in Europe; Saints and Scarlets win in Pool 4; Wasps run in 12 tries in Zebre rout

Thunder and lightning sees Connacht game abandoned at half-time

Pat Lam’s side were trailing 22-10 in Parma when referee called off game for safety reasons

Real pressure on Ireland to deliver a victory over Italy

Six Nations: Joe Schmidt’s men need to end a frustrating sequence of results

Six Nations: Padovani to make full debut against Ireland

Outhalf selected ahead of Kelly Haimona for Saturday’s match in Dublin

Italy make one change for Six Nations visit of England

Luke McLean replaces David Odiete in starting XV for Stadio Olimpico clash

Ulster pay the price against Zebre

Irish side count the cost of early red card as Declan Fitzpatrick sent off for punching

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