Kleyn Ireland debut in Azzurri warm-up

ROUND-UP: Munster lock hopes to stake his claim to be big in Japan

Munster lock Jean Kleyn will make his Ireland debut against Italy in Dublin tomorrow – just two days after qualifying on residency.

The 25-year-old joined Munster from the Stormers in his native South Africa in 2016 and completed his three-year residency qualification yesterday.

Now the combative second-rower has the chance to state his World Cup case as Ireland take on the Azzurri in their first warm-up match for September’s World Cup in Japan, where they will meet Scotland in the group opener.

Head coach Joe Schmidt is likely to select four locks for his final 31-man World Cup squad, with Devin Toner, James Ryan and Iain Henderson already nailed on. Kleyn is battling for the final lock berth and will partner dependable Leinster star Toner tomorrow.

Assistant coach Andy Farrell said: “Everyone took to him straight away. He’s acquitted himself very well. He knows he has to fit into a strategy but within that he has to play his game and bring his best to the table.”

Leinster flanker Rhys Ruddock will captain a much-changed Ireland line-up from their Six Nations exploits, with boss Schmidt handing a host of fringe players a chance to impress.

Former Sale full-back Mike Haley could make his Test debut off the bench, with Jordan Larmour taking the first chance in these warm-up matches to prove his credentials at 15.

Joey Carbery starts at fly-half with Johnny Sexton continuing to recover from a thumb complaint, with Leinster’s Luke McGrath at scrum-half. IRELAND – J Larmour (Leinster); A Conway (Munster), G Ringrose (Leinster), C Farrell (Munster), D Kearney (Leinster); J Carbery (Munster), L McGrath (Leinster); J McGrath, R Herring (both Ulster), A Porter, D Toner (both Leinster), J Kleyn (Munster), R Ruddock (Leinster, capt), T O’Donnell (Munster), J Murphy (Ulster). Replacements: N Scannell (Munster), C Healy (Leinster), J Ryan (Munster), I Henderson (Ulster), T Beirne (Munster), K Marmion, J Carty (both Connacht), M Haley (Munster).

● England lock Joe Launchbury says there can be no late drop in standards as Eddie Jones prepares to finalise his World Cup squad.

England name the 31 players bound for Japan on Monday – almost a month before the official deadline – and play their only warm-up Test before the announcement 24 hours earlier when Wales visit Twickenham.

Launchbury is likely to feature among the travelling forwards but the veteran Wasps lock and captain fears ruthless Jones having a late change of heart.

Launchbury said: “If you don’t train well or have a bad run of form, you’ll probably find yourself out of the team. We all know we have to keep performing to keep our places.”

● Aaron Wainwright is ready to embark on Wales’ final round of World Cup auditions as the tournament in Japan draws ever closer.

The Dragons back-row forward looks set to pack down against England at Twickenham on Sunday.

England in Cardiff, followed by home and away appointments with Ireland, are also on the pre-World Cup agenda.

And while the overwhelming majority of head coach Warren Gatland’s final 31-man group – due to be announced three weeks before Wales’ September 23 World Cup opener – appears in place, opportunities will still present themselves.

“It would be massive, the pinnacle of anyone’s career,” said Wainwright, when asked about possible World Cup selection.

“As soon as you start playing rugby, that’s what you want to achieve – to play for your country and then play for your country at the World Cup.

“It only comes around every four years, so it would be very special.

“If I can get into the squad, that would be awesome – one of my biggest dreams since I started playing rugby.”

Wainwright made his Test debut only 14 months ago.

South African Jean Kleyn has qualified to play for Ireland on residency and goes in against Italy at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.