Jerry Flannery and Rob Kearney were both excused from duty at training earlier today. The pair were afforded an extra 24 hours recovery time in the wake of last weekend’s win over France but remain very much part of Declan Kidney’s plans for Italy.

Kearney’s problematic ankle injury and the ‘stinger’ knock Flannery took on his shoulder saw them sit out today’s session at the RDS but Kidney is confident of having both available when he names his team tomorrow morning.

"We had a couple of guys who were off their feet today but nothing that would prevent them from being considered for this weekend,” Kidney explained. “So, touch wood, injuries look pretty minimal at this stage.”

Flannery and Kearney were also joined on the sidelines by Bernard Jackman today. Jackman, who was one of six players added to the squad yesterday, is still carrying the ankle injury that ruled him out of last Friday’s A international.