Ross Byrne is on standby to start for Ireland in Rome - and another positive performance could rubber-stamp his place at the World Cup finals.
Joey Carbery's recall to Ireland's squad yesterday grabbed the headlines after his shock omission from the initial squad for the championship - and his absence for the first two wins over Wales and France.
But, as the 37-strong squad met up yesterday for training, the news that skipper Johnny Sexton is still recovering from the groin injury he suffered against France means that Byrne is in line to make his first start at Test level since the Autumn Nations Cup defeat to England on November 21, 2020.