Peter Stringer will start Ireland's final World Cup warm-up game against Italy at Ravenhill this evening.

The Munster and Ireland scrumhalf was in danger of missing the game after suffering a back spasm in training. That said, he came through the captain's run last night before medical staff took a closer look again today.

"Peter suffered no adverse reactions after a run out at Ravenhill today, so he will start the game," a team spokesperson confirmed today.

With Stringer due to start, Isaac Boss will deputise from the bench while Eoin Reddan misses out in the first international at the Belfast venue for 54 years.

It means coach Eddie O'Sullivan will start with the strongest XV available to him, with the notable  exceptions of Brian O'Driscoll, Shane Hrogan and David Wallace, who are all injured.

Paul O'Connell takes over the captain's role in the absence of O'Driscoll.