Seán Cronin, David Kilcoyne, Ultan Dillane and Jordi Murphy are set to come into the Ireland team to face Italy this Sunday in Rome. Gerry Thornley has revealed his probable Irish team for round three of the Six Nations, and the official team will be announced at lunchtime today. In his column this morning, Liam Toland explains that Ireland must develop options to secure World Cup success: "the first part, key injuries, has been addressed through a deeper, battle-hardened squad, but what of the system?" Tonight in the Pro14 Leinster host the Southern Kings with Fergus McFadden back in their XV, Munster welcome Jack O'Donoghue back to their matchday squad for an away day against the Ospreys; while Connacht have gone for a blend of youth and experience for their trip to Glasgow.
Arsenal recovered from their first leg embarrassment to beat Bate Borisov 3-0 last night at the Emirates (3-1 on aggregate) and progress to the last 16 of the Europa League. Mesut Özil played the entire 90 minutes for Unai Emery's team. Chelsea will join them after a 3-0 (5-1 on aggregate) win over Malmö at Stamford Bridge - Oliver Giroud grabbed his sixth goal in seven matches in the competition. There was no such joy for Celtic however, despite an impressive showing at the Mestalla they lost 1-0 to Valencia and went out 3-0 on aggregate.
Rory McIlroy's swagger told its own story in yesterday's WGC-Mexico Championship opening round – as he set about putting his distinctive mark on the competition with a brilliantly crafted opening round 63, eight under par, that left him in pole position. One shot ahead of Dustin Johnston. Earlier on Thursday he revealed that he would not be competing in this year's Irish Open, and Philip Reid writes this morning: Rory McIlroy deserves a pass to miss the Irish Open after saving its life . . .
Meanwhile, fresh from his latest Sigerson Cup success on Wednesday evening, UCC coach Billy Morgan has questioned the hold that intercounty managers have over young players: "I think the calendar could be a little more helpful, and county managers a little more understanding of how their players develop by playing Sigerson."
