FERRIS INJURED

Stephen Ferris is set to miss the Italy-Ireland clash in Rome due to injury. The Ulster player told BBC Sport on Friday that he was resigned to missing the match because of a knee injury.

“It is now looking as though I am going to miss the Italy game,” said Ferris.

Already out for the injury-hit Irish are Tommy Bowe, Shane Horgan, John Hayes, Jamie Heaslip, Andrew Trimble, Rob Kearney and Geordan Murphy.