Joe Schmidt ready to set Jordan Larmour free as Ireland aim to keep heat on England
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is relishing the chance to add Joey Carbery and full-back Jordan Larmour to Ireland’s attack against Italy in Dublin as they attempt to keep the pressure on reigning champions England.
After Ireland’s last-gasp drop-goal victory over France in Paris, Schmidt wants tries against Italy and knows that 22-year-old Carbery and uncapped Larmour, 20, who start as replacements, have wonderful running skills.
He said: “When I first saw Larmour playing, probably three years ago, he was playing in the midfield and I saw how dynamic he was, how he sensed really good timing, whether to make the pass or whether to carry the ball or whether to step back inside or take the outside break.
“The great thing with Jordan is he has got the talent to do whatever is required.
“He is not a huge young man by any means, but he has got so many other aspects to his game that he more than makes up for that size and maturity that other players will bring to the game.”
The Italy coach, Conor O’Shea, is a former Ireland full-back and said: “I would love to have been a full-back who could step off both feet and beat people from 70 yards every week. It will be fun watching him when he comes on.”
Jack Conan comes in at No8 for CJ Stander, Dan Leavy replaces Josh van der Flier at openside flanker, Devin Toner returns to the second row and Jack McGrath to the front row.
South African-born flanker Braam Steyn is one of three changes for Italy and replaces Renato Giammarioli in the back row, while Nicola Quaglio takes over from Andrea Lovotti at loose head prop and Luca Bigi comes in for Leonardo Ghiraldini at hooker.
