elmo d scipio.

Gowaaaaan lads

erin go bragh!

These are two sides that have a huge amount of history, regularly facing off in the Six Nations Championship. Recent history will make Ireland favorites, with Italy last beating the Irish in 2013 with Declan Kidney at the helm. Ireland have come a long way since then, and have been convincing winners in all of their clashes since 2013

For Italy, the big team news is that Sergio Parisse will make his first start in this years World Cup, his fourth overall. The talisman of this Italian side, Parisse has recovered from his knock to take his place in the Italian pack

In the Irish pack, Iain Henderson and Paul O'Connell return to form what looks like a combative second row, with Rory Best back in the front row. Heaslip, O'Brien and O'Mahony once again combine in the back row.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has named what looks to be his strongest possible side. Injuries to Rob Kearney and Jared Payne mean they miss out, giving opportunities to Simon Zebo at full back, and Keith Earls in the centre. Partnering Earls will be Robbie Henshaw, who has overcome injury to make his World Cup debut.

Round three in Pool D see's Ireland take on Italy at the Olympic stadium. Two familiar foes who have plenty of history, this is Ireland's first real test of their World Cup campaign, having already dispatched Romania and Canada with relative ease. Italy on the other hand need a win to keep their chances of qualification alive, having previously been beaten by France in their pool opener. Follow all the action live on Ultimate Rugby this afternoon

COYBIG

It'll be a comfortable win for ireland after a tough first half. Try bonus point for Ireland and no losing bonus for Italians. No disrespect to Italy, but that's how it will be...