Ireland's young guns out to catch the eye against Italy

Autumn international
Premier Sports 1, 8pm Saturday

Ireland return to the scene of their most famous victory - Soldier Field in Chicago where they beat the All Blacks two years ago - to face an Italy side who have won just two of their last 19 internationals and are without their skipper and talisman Sergio Parisse.

Joe Schmidt has named a largely second-string side but it’s still packed with outstanding players and attacking threat. A handicap in the high 20s looks entirely justified - the Irish have won the last three meetings by 37, 53 and 43 points.

The Azzurri can take some confidence from the improved performances of Benetton and Zebre in the Pro14 this season, but there is no comfort in knowing they are not facing Ireland's first-choice side as the young guns coming into the side know this is their chance to put their hands up for World Cup consideration.

Leinster's Jordan Larmour is named at full-back, a position where Schmidt looks a little short of cover, and he has a lot to gain from a big performance. He is odds-on to score a try but the 7-2 that he bags at least two is worth taking.

There should be no let-up in the Irish attacks and a winning margin in the 30s at the same price is also attractive.

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