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List of Premier League matches live on TNT Sports

Get ready for the thrilling 2023-24 Premier League season, set to kick off on the weekend of August 11-13, with City starting their campaign against Burnley.

Click for list of games on Premier Sports and ViaPlay 

The excitement continues with the first-ever Premier League match on TNT Sports, featuring Arsenal taking on Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 12, with a kick-off at 12:30 PM UK time.

Mark your calendars for the players’ mid-season rest during the winter break from January 13-20, leading up to the grand finale on Sunday, May 19, 2024, where all 10 games will be played concurrently. Sheffield United, Burnley, and Luton Town fans will be thrilled to watch their teams in Premier League action after their successful promotion from the Championship last season.

Curious about the title race? Can anyone halt Guardiola’s City from winning a remarkable fourth Premier League title in a row? TNT Sports is the ultimate destination to witness the unfolding of this captivating season.

TNT Sports is set to broadcast a total of 52 Premier League matches during the 2023-24 season, including the August and September live fixtures. Stay tuned for more exhilarating football action on TNT Sports!

List of Premier League matches live on TNT Sports

TNT Sports will show the following matches live in August and September:
MATCH DATE AND TIME
Arsenal v Nottingham Forest Saturday August 12, 12:30
Manchester City v Newcastle United Saturday, August 19, 20:00
Bournemouth v Tottenham Saturday, August 26, 12:30
Sheffield United v Everton Saturday, September 2, 12:30
Wolves v Liverpool Saturday, September 16, 12:30
Burnley v Manchester United Saturday, September 23, 20:00
Aston Villa v Brighton Saturday, September 30, 12:30

2023/24 English Premier League Betting Preview

2023/24 English Premier League Preview: City’s Dominance Challenged as New Contenders Emerge

The 2023/24 English Premier League promises to be an exhilarating season, with Manchester City aiming for a historic fourth consecutive title. However, the competition is fiercer than ever, with new contenders eager to dethrone the reigning champions. As the season unfolds, football fans can expect a thrilling title race and intense battles for European spots and survival.

Manchester City’s Dominance and Late Surges:

Manchester City has been a dominant force in the Premier League, clinching the title five times in the last six seasons. Pep Guardiola’s tactical brilliance and the squad’s sheer talent have propelled them to the top of English football. Their ability to overturn near double-digit points deficits in previous seasons has become a hallmark of their success. However, their habit of giving their opponents a head start before mounting a late surge might prove risky against increasingly competitive rivals.

Emerging Contenders Eyeing the Crown:

As the season approaches, new challengers have emerged, eager to unseat the reigning champions. Arsenal, fresh from their promising performance last season, are keen to continue their upward trajectory. Liverpool, a formidable force, has the potential to challenge for the top spot, with their dynamic attacking lineup and strong defensive capabilities. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Chelsea will be determined to reclaim their former glory, making them serious contenders in the title race.

The Betting Odds and Shifting Dynamics:

Despite their impressive track record, Manchester City faces strong competition in the 2023/24 season. While they are still the bookmakers’ favorites with odds of 5/6, their vulnerability in the early stages of the previous season raises concerns. Arsenal, with odds of 5/1 poses a genuine threat, backed by their youthful squad and progressive style of play. Liverpool’s odds of 15/2 reflect their resilience and determination to reclaim the top spot. Manchester United, Chelsea, and other clubs also remain in contention, adding an air of unpredictability to this year’s Premier League title race.

Betway Premier League 2023 Outright Betting 

  • 5/6 – Manchester City
  • 5/1 Arsenal
  • 15/2 – Liverpool
  • 10/1 – Manchester United
  • 14/1 – Chelsea
  • 25/1 – Newcastle
  • 50/1 – Tottenham
  • 100/1 bar

Conclusion:

The 2023/24 English Premier League promises to be one of the most fiercely contested seasons in recent memory. Manchester City aims to extend their dominance with a fourth consecutive title, but they face a determined and hungry group of challengers. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea are among the clubs vying for the crown, each boasting a mix of talent, experience, and ambition. As the season unfolds, football fans worldwide can look forward to an electrifying title race and captivating action on the pitch.

2023 Women’s Rugby Interprovincial Matches: A Game-Changing Season Preview

REPRO FREE***PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE*** EDITORIAL USE ONLY 2023 Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Rugby Championship Launch, IRFU High Performance Facility, Blanchardstown, Dublin 3/8/2023 (L to R) Ulster’s Sadhbh McGrath, Munster’s Dorothy Wall, Connacht’s Aoibheann Reilly and Leinster’s Natasja Behan Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

The 2023 Women’s Rugby Interprovincial Matches are set to kick off, and there’s widespread agreement that the new scheduling is a win-win for Irish women’s rugby.

With the competition now aligning perfectly with the start of the season, players and fans alike are eager to witness the action-packed clashes between the four provinces: Munster, Ulster, Connacht, and Leinster. This revamped schedule not only promises fierce interprovincial rivalries but also provides valuable preparation for the upcoming World XVs competition, acting as a stepping stone for players on the international stage.

Optimal Timing for High-Stakes Battles:

The IRFU’s strategic decision to place the Interprovincial Championships right at the beginning of the season has been met with enthusiasm. Reigning champions Munster will take on Ulster at the City of Armagh RFC, while Connacht will host Leinster in The Showgrounds. The highly anticipated competition will conclude on September 2, setting the stage for an intense and thrilling rugby spectacle.

Golden Opportunity for International Players:

The revised scheduling of the 2023-24 Vodafone Interprovincial Championships has been met with resounding approval from senior international players. The new window grants players four games before their international duties, allowing them valuable game time, which they view as gold. This unprecedented opportunity to participate in a full-blooded interprovincial series before representing their country in the inaugural World XVs competition in October has players eagerly anticipating the challenges that lie ahead.

Players’ Excitement and Expectations:

The players themselves have expressed their excitement for the upcoming Interprovincial Matches. Munster and Ireland flanker Dorothy Wall hailed the new scheduling as a breath of fresh air, while Connacht scrum half Aoibheann Reilly praised the brilliant timing, emphasizing how the interpros will set the standards for the players. Ulster’s rising star, prop Sadhbh McGrath, is looking forward to gaining valuable experience and learning in game situations, while Leinster winger Natasja Behan believes the new calendar will benefit the team by providing critical game time and setting high standards.

Interpros as a Talent Development Platform:

The significance of the Interprovincial Matches as a competition that nurtures and showcases talent is not lost on the players. Many of them recall how these matches were pivotal in gaining recognition and opportunities, making them an essential stepping stone in their careers. With the World XVs looming ahead, the interpros present a unique chance for players to prove their worth and secure their spots on the national team under new head coach Scott Bemand, who brings invaluable experience from England’s successful Red Roses.

Conclusion:

As the 2023 Women’s Rugby Interprovincial Matches approach, anticipation and excitement are at an all-time high. The strategic scheduling at the beginning of the season is universally lauded, providing players with valuable game time and preparation for the upcoming World XVs competition. With seasoned champions and talented newcomers ready to compete, these interpros promise thrilling battles, fierce rivalries, and an unforgettable showcase of Irish women’s rugby talent.

2023/24 VODAFONE WOMEN’S INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES:

Round 1, Saturday August 12: Ulster v Munster, City of Armagh RFC, 3pm; Connacht v Leinster, the Sportsground, 5.15pm.

Round 2, Saturday August 19: Leinster v Ulster, EnergiaPark, 1pm; Munster v Connacht, Musgrave Park, 3.15pm.
Round 3, Saturday, August 26: Connacht v Ulster, The Sportsground, 2.30pm; Leinster v Munster, Energia Park, 4.45pm.

Finals Day, Saturday September 2, Venue TBC.

Vodafone have sponsored the Women’s Interprovincial Championships since 2020 and are also the principal sponsors of the Irish men’s team.

Dominant Cork Clinch the All-Ireland Camogie Final 2023: A Remarkable Victory

In a thrilling showdown, Cork emerged victorious in the 2023 All-Ireland camogie final, securing a convincing 5-13 victory against Waterford.

The match was filled with memorable moments and standout performances, cementing Cork’s status as the new champions.

Waterford’s Early Setback:

The match began on a somber note as Waterford lost Vikki Falconer, a standout player having an All-Star season, to a serious leg injury just two minutes into the game. This unfortunate incident impacted Waterford’s defense, allowing Cork’s captain, Amy O’Connor, to shine.

Amy O’Connor’s Hat-Trick Heroics:

Amy O’Connor stole the show with an exceptional performance, scoring an impressive 3-7 from ten shots. Her hat-trick came in just two minutes at the start of the second half, turning the tide firmly in Cork’s favor. The St Vincent’s star displayed remarkable concentration, even admitting she wasn’t aware of her hat-trick until after the match.

Manager Matthew Twomey’s Impact:

Cork’s manager, Matthew Twomey, played a crucial role in the team’s success. Despite facing pressure and criticism during a difficult patch in the season, Twomey’s support for his players never wavered. His tactical decisions and belief in the team’s abilities paved the way for their triumphant victory.

Solid Defense and Resolute Mentality:

While the forwards received well-deserved praise, the Cork defense played an instrumental role in neutralizing Waterford’s dangerous attack. Players like Libby Coppinger, Laura Treacy, and Laura Hayes demonstrated outstanding defensive prowess, ensuring Cork maintained control throughout the game.

Focused and Resilient Team Spirit:

The Cork team’s unity and resilience were key factors in their success. Despite facing doubts and setbacks during the season, the players’ trust in each other and the management team remained unwavering. Their motto, “GUL. Gach uile liathróid. Every single ball,” epitomized their relentless focus on each moment, phase, and game.

Conclusion:

In an outstanding display of skill, determination, and team spirit, Cork secured a resounding victory in the All-Ireland camogie final for 2023. Their remarkable performance on the field and unwavering belief in themselves and their teammates earned them a well-deserved place in camogie history. Cork’s triumph will be remembered as a testament to the power of dedication and unity in achieving greatness in sports.

SCORERS FOR CORK: A O’Connor 3-7(0-5fs); S McCartan 1-1; F Keating 1-0; K Mackey 0-1; H Looney, C Sigerson (f), O Cahalane 0-1 each

SCORERS FOR WATERFORD: B Carton 0-7(5fs); N Rockett, L Forrest 0-1 each

CORK: A Lee, P Mackey, L Coppinger, M Cahalane, A Healy, I O’Regan, L Hayes, H Looney, C Sigerson, F Keating, S McCarthy, A O’Connor, K Mackey, S McCartan. Subs: C Healy for Hayes (44), O Cronin for McCartan (47), A Thompson for McCarthy (51), O Cahalane for Sigerson (52), M Murphy for P Mackey (53)

WATERFORD: B O’Regan, L Forrest, K Lynch, K Corbett Barry, V Falconer, O Hickey, C Carroll, A Flynn, L Bray, M O’Brien, M Power, B Carton, N Rockett, R Walsh, A Fitzgerald. Subs: I Heffernan for Falconer inj (4), B Bowden for Power (ht), T Power for O’Brien (41), C Griffin for Carroll (42), S Fitzgerald for Lynch (54)

REFEREE: John Dermody (Meath)

Seamus Coleman: the Premier League bargain buy of all-time

At the end of June, Donegal-born Seamus Coleman signed up a one-year contract extension with Everton Football Club.

It is a development that means Coleman takes his stay with Everton into a 15th year after joining the club in 2009. With the veteran right-back turning 35 in October, the chances of this being Coleman’s final season in the Premier League are high.

A season of familiar toil ahead for Everton 

Admittedly, Coleman’s swansong in the Premier League isn’t likely to be a glamourous one with a backs-to-the-wall affair instead predicted as Everton are priced at just 3/1 to go down in the latest outright football odds for top-flight relegation.

Anyone who has watched Everton over the last two years will know that the club has circled the drain of relegation only to cling to safety at the very end of the season.

Had the Toffees not been able to call on Coleman’s leadership and tenacity in the face of potential relegation over the last 24 months then it seems a certainty that the club would be plying their trade in the Championship by now. 

Cometh the hour, Cometh Coleman 

Quite simply, Coleman’s outright refusal to see the club he loves relegated has been the difference; a crucial solo goal against relegated Leeds in February is one of many examples of Coleman single-handedly managing to help Everton avert the financial disaster that going down brings with it. After all, relegation would have cost Everton a hundred million pounds at first with that number rising sharply with every season the club spent out of the top flight. 

The fact that Coleman was more or less able to secure Everton’s future by himself is even more remarkable when you consider that the club bought him for just £60,000 back in 2009 when they signed the right-back from Sligo Rovers in the west of Ireland. This is an investment that is still paying dividends a decade and a half later. 

The unprecedented return on investment 

What does £60,000 get you in the Premier League these days? The answer is nothing. It certainly doesn’t buy you a player who has made 352 appearances in the world’s most competitive league. If you were to average Coleman’s 2009 transfer fee against all of his Premier League appearances to date, it would work out to £170 a game. Of course, Coleman earns a substantial weekly salary but there isn’t a signing in Premier League history that offers the staggering return on transfer investment that Coleman does. 

To that end, Coleman has given the club more than they could have ever expected from a player with such a meagre transfer fee. The Irishman’s hefty contributions have been consistently recognised throughout his 15 years at Goodison Park with the 34-year-old winning every club honour on offer.

Coleman received the Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards in 2014. At the end of the 2022/2023 season, Coleman completed the sweep by winning the Goal of the Year award for his aforementioned strike against Leeds in a relegation six-pointer.

Coleman’s career statistics are scarcely believable and with Premier League expenditure at £1.2 billion and counting during the 2023 summer transfer window, it’s safe to say that the world won’t ever see value like this again. Without a doubt, the man from Donegal is the Premier League’s all-time bargain buy.

Dunum is two-length winner of ‘Ahonoora’ Handicap at Galway

Dunum, winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF ´Ahonoora´ Handicap for trainer Natalia Lupini and jockey Billy Lee.

The seven-day Galway Festival concluded on Sunday with the large crowd in attendance enjoying the Ballybrit sunshine.

Dunum (100/30f), a close third in the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap here on Tuesday evening, gained deserved compensation with victory in the Irish Stallion Farms Irish EBF ‘Ahonoora’ Handicap over 7 furlongs.

Trained in County Armagh by Natalia Lupini, the bay gelded son of Ivawood was running a distance that was one furlong shorter than his previous race.

The Maurice Burns and Michael McCarton-owned five-year-old was well positioned throughout the €110,000 contest, taking the lead in the home straight. Despite the best effort of Snapraerterea, the eventual runner-up, Dunum was a comfortable two-length winner under jockey Billy Lee.

Teed Up (4/6f), who won the Monday night feature and was runner-up on Friday, claimed a second success of this year’s Galway Races when winning the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle for the second year in a row.

Ridden today by four-pound claimer Conor Clarke, the Emmet Mullins-trained son of Gleneagles was a three and a half length winner over Gold Speed, with Bythesametaoken a head further back in third.

Mullins later completed a double when Malbay Madness (6/5f) came wide and late on the outside of the field under Colin Keane to take the Ireland West Airport Knock Handicap.

The good form of jockey Ray Barron continued as he won his third race of the week, this time aboard My Design (14/1) for Waterford trainer Declan Queally in the Kenny Galway Handicap Hurdle.

 

Fighting Fit was a shock 33/1 winner of the Lord Hempill Memorial Handicap Chase for Kildare handler Philip Dempsey. The Gavin Brouder-ridden eight-year-old had failed to complete on his two previous starts back in April.

Saint Sam was an all-the-way winner of the Eileen Kelly Memorial Chase under the week’s leading jockey Paul Townend and champion trainer Willie Mullins.

Running in the silks of Edward Ware, the six-year-old was winner of a Grade 3 chase at Killarney in May.

Stromberg (1/5f) was a fifth success of the week for Donegal rider Dylan Browne McMonagle, when winning the Kinlay Hostel Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden for Joseph O’Brien and owners Teme Valley.

The concluding race of the 2023 Galway Racing Festival saw 4/9 favourite You Oughta Know give Willie Mullins a 10th winner of the week. The Luke McMahon-owned winner was ridden by the trainer’s son, Patrick.

IRELAND 33 ITALY 17

Credit: IRFU @irishrugby.

IRELAND 33 ITALY 17

Ireland scored five tries to Italy’s two in their opening Bank of Ireland Nations Series game at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

First Half

Andy Farrell’s side scored three converted tries in the first half to just the concession of one Italian penalty as the home side dominated the first 40 minutes on the scoreboard.

The Italians drew first blood inside three minutes, however, when Munster’s Dave Kilcoyne conceded a penalty. The visitors’ fullback Tommaso Allan slotted the ball between the posts from 33m out before a crowd that has yet to settle into their seats.

From there it was all Ireland. Kilcoyne made up for his earlier error when pushing over for Ireland’s first score of the game on 13 minutes. His fellow Munsterman Jack Crowley successfully converted to give the side a 7-3 advantage.

Leinster’s Caelan Doris increased the Irish lead when scoring a try, as the clock headed to the half hour mark. Another conversion from Jack Crowley, his second of the game, doubled the hosts’ score to 14 points.

Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey soon got in on the scoring act, diving over for his side’s third five-pointer of the game seven minutes later. Crowley maintained his 100% conversion record as he again added the extras to leave Ireland with a 21-3 advantage at the break.

Half-time: Ireland 21 Italy 7

Second Half

Just as they did in the first half, Italy scored first again in the second period. Replacement Lorenzo Pani crossed for a try in the 51st minute when he found himself unmarked on the far touchline. Though Irish players attempted to narrow his run for the try-scoring line, the Zebre Parma player managed to touch the ball down. Tommaso Allan, who had opened the game’s scoring early in the first half, claimed his second conversion for a 21-10 score line.

Like he has done so often throughout his career, Cian Healy soon burrowed over when close to the line for his 12th international try. On this occasion, however, kicker Jack Crowley was unable to increase his side’s advantage when attempting the conversion kick.

Tommaso Menoncello quickly replied with Italy’s second five-pointer of the game and Tommaso Allan successfully kicked at the post for the third time.

Second try for Doris

Bank of Ireland Player of the Match Caelan Doris scored his second try of the game in the latter stages of the second half. The Leinster player was industrious throughout the game and involved in much of the key action. On this occasion Ciaran Frawley took the conversion attempt, and scored.

Tom Stewart, Ciaran Frawley and Calvin Nash all came off the replacements’ bench during the second half to each earn their first international caps at senior level.

Final score: Ireland 33 Italy 17

Harnessing Technology: How Irish Horse Racing Bettors Can Benefit from Modern Tools and Apps

From the historic racecourses of the Curragh to the electric atmosphere of the Galway Races, Ireland has a rich tradition of horse racing. Alongside this rich love for horse racing events, the Irish have long had a deep-seated enthusiasm for the fast-paced world of horse racing betting.

However, the proliferation of cutting-edge betting applications and other technological advancements in the Internet age has completely altered the landscape for Irish gamblers. The article examines how the Irish may use modern technologies to improve their horse-betting odds and overall experience.

Mobile betting apps

Mobile betting applications have completely altered the betting culture around Irish horse races. You can now place bets on racing at the Curragh today with your preferred bookmaker from your home, using just your smartphone and an internet connection.

This ease has made it simpler than ever to keep up with the most recent odds and news and make educated wagers. Irish horse racing bettors will appreciate the many conveniences the top mobile betting applications offer. You can watch the races live; there are also full racecards and guidelines to help you prepare for the events.

Data analytics

Using data analytics, punters may get valuable insights and trends into Irish horse racing. Patterns that may be used to forecast future results can be found by studying data from previous races, trainers, riders and horses. By tracking the results of several horses throughout time, a punter may guess which ones will do best in subsequent races.

Betting industry trends may also be uncovered with the use of data analytics. It is feasible to determine which bookmakers provide the greatest value for money and which do not by comparing the odds provided by each on various races. This knowledge may then be utilized to make more educated wagers and increase profits.

Live streaming and virtual reality

Irish horse racing betting has seen live streaming and virtual reality technology rise. Bettors may now watch races as they happen, thanks to the advent of live streaming. Virtual reality (VR) offers gamblers an even more intense experience. Bettors wearing virtual reality headsets will feel as if they have been transported to the actual racecourse.

They can get a good look at the horses, get a feel for how they’re racing, and make more educated wagers. Live streaming and VR provide a new and exciting method for Irish horse racing fans to engage with the sport and increase their odds of winning bets.

Automated betting systems

Irish horse racing wagering has seen a rise in the use of automated betting systems. These technologies enable gamblers to make better selections using the computational capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms. Bets placed using AI-powered automated systems may examine historical race data for trends and patterns favouring a certain horse.

Gamblers may then use predictive models built from this information to identify the horses with the highest odds of winning a certain race. Bettors may also make many wagers at once using an automated betting system, eliminating the need to key in each wager individually. It speeds up the betting process and decreases the possibility of human error.

As more and more people in Ireland are getting into horse racing, the chances and advantages given by contemporary technologies and applications are becoming impossible to ignore. Irish horse racing bettors now have more opportunities than ever because of the technological advancements discussed extensively in this article.

So, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned punter in Ireland, consider leveraging modern horse racing betting tools and riding the cutting edge of technological progress as you participate in horse race wagering.

Free entry at Naas on Monday for Ballyhane Stud Stakes Day

On Bank Holiday Monday, Naas Racecourse hosts the €300,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes, the feature of the Co Kildare track’s 7-race card.

Among the two contenders attempting to claim the €150,000 first prize for the richest race of the year at Naas Racecourse, will be five British-trained runners.

Entry to the race meeting will be free on Monday, courtesy of Ballyhane Stud, and racegoers will also have the opportunity to win the trip of a lifetime to the Rugby World Cup in France.

A classy renewal of the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes which has attracted the Willie Mullins-trained Royal Ascot winner Vauban, is an interesting back-up race to Monday’s feature.

Two of Willie Mullins’ former stars, Hurricane Fly, Faugheen and Briar Hill will be joined by Masterson and Bonita Bay as part of a Treo Eile parade of retired racehorses following the second race on the card.

In a race that features two horses making their competitive debut, Innvincible Friend is the most experienced runner in the line-up with Monday being his seventh racecourse start, and will be the mount of Séamus Heffernan.

Kevin Ryan has confirmed Jungle Mate, one of two runners for owners the Bronte Collection, with the Hugo Palmer-trained Golden Trick also representing those connections.

Alice Haynes has booked Chris Hayes for Shayekh, while Karl Burke will saddle That’s For Sure.

Last year’s winning trainer and jockey Joseph O’Brien and Declan McDonogh will combine with Gold Coast Galleon, while Ger Lyons is double-handed courtesy of Ragga Bomb and Simplexity, the latter being the mount of champion jockey Colin Keane.

Sheila Lavery will have three chances in the €300,000 contest with Kortez Bay, Glamora and the newcomer Vestigia.

Monday will also see the return of apprentice jockey Wesley Joyce. The Moyross native suffered serious injuries in a fall at Galway just over 12 months ago and will complete a spectacular comeback when partnering the Johnny Murtagh-trained course and distance winner Wave Machine in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.

There will be a Rugby and Racing panel with Kevin O’Ryan previewing the racing and Hugh Cahill along with former Ireland international Bernard Jackman and current Munster coach Mike Prendergast will look ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Twenty lucky racegoers will be assigned a horse each in the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes and the person linked with the winner of the feature race will win a two-night package with return flights, hotel transfers, hotel B&B, pre-match lunch and tickets for Ireland v South Africa.

The Grand Slam and Six Nations trophies won by Ireland this year will also be at Naas on Monday.

The first race of the day will be off at 2.15pm.

Ireland v Italy – Rugby Preview, Team News & Video Comments

The Ireland team to face Italy in Saturday’s opening game of the Bank of Ireland Nations Series at Aviva Stadium (Kick-off 8pm) has been named.

Iain Henderson will captain the side for the second time, having previously led the team against France in February 2021. The Ulster man will win his 73rd Test cap in green, partnering Joe McCarthy in the Ireland second row.

Ryan Baird, Caelan Doris and Jack Conan form an all-Leinster backrow. The starting front row will be David Kilcoyne alongside Ulster duo Rob Herring and Tom O’Toole.

Keith Earls is set to make his 99th appearance for Ireland and starts on the right wing in a back three which includes Jimmy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale.

Craig Casey will form a Munster half-back partnership with Jack Crowley, with Stuart McCloskey lining up alongside Robbie Henshaw in midfield.

Ciaran Frawley, Calvin Nash and Tom Stewart are in line for their Ireland debuts should they feature from the replacements, and they are named in a bench which includes props Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong, lock Tadhg Beirne, back-row Cian Prendergast and scrum-half Caolin Blade.

Ticket sales for Saturday’s game have passed the 41,750 mark and are still available from www.irishrugby.ie, with children’s tickets available from €10.

Ticket sales for Saturday’s game have passed the 41,750 mark and are still available from ticketmaster.ie with children’s tickets available from €10.

Ireland Team & Replacements (v Italy, Bank of Ireland Nations Series, Saturday, July 5, 8pm, Aviva Stadium)15: Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster/Naas) (5)
14: Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) (98)
13: Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) (63)
12: Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) (12)
11: Jacob Stockdale (Ulster/Lurgan) (35)
10: Jack Crowley (Munster / Cork Constitution) (3)
9: Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) (10)1: David Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemian) (51)
2: Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) (34)
3: Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) (9)
4: Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) (72) CAPTAIN
5: Joe McCarthy (Leinster/Dublin University) (1)
6: Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) (11)
7: Caelan Doris (Leinster/St. Mary’s College) (28)
8: Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) (38)

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Tom Stewart* (Ulster/Ballynahinch) (0)
17: Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) (123)
18: Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) (65)
19: Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) (38)
20: Cian Prendergast (Connacht/UCD) (1)
21: Caolin Blade (Connacht/Galwegians) (1)
22: Ciaran Frawley* (Leinster/UCD) (0)
23: Calvin Nash* (Munster/Young Munster) (0)

*Denotes Uncapped Player

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FFR), Assistant Referees: Pierre Brousset (FFR), Luc Ramos (FFR), TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR), TMO Bunker: Stuart Terheege (RFU), 4th Official: Eoghan Cross (IRFU), 5th Official: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU)