Irish coach to experiment

– Ireland return to the scene of one of their greatest victories here today as the Six Nations champions face Italy at Chicago’s Soldier Field in a oneoff Test.

Two years ago, a full-strength Irish side stunned New Zealand in a thrilling battle at the home of the Chicago Bears, claiming Ireland’s first and only victory over the All Blacks with a 40-29 win.

A lower-key contest is on the cards this weekend however, with coach Joe Schmidt electing to run the rule over his squad depth with an experimental line-up.

Loosehead prop Jack McGrath (above) is the only member of the team which started the 2016 win over the All Blacks who will line up to face the Azzurri.

Only five members of the starting XV from Ireland’s historic series win over Australia this year have been selected.

Schmidt has granted a rest to several of his first-choice regulars, with the likes of Johnny Sexton, Rory Best, Peter O’Mahony, Rob Kearney and Keith Earls all staying at home.

With scrumhalf Conor Murray also missing through injury, it means the Irish will be fielding an unfamiliar line-up.

Sexton’s absence means a start for Joey Carbery at flyhalf, where the 23-year-old will partner Luke McGrath at scrumhalf.

Leinster flanker Rhys Ruddock will captain the side in the absence of British and Irish Lions hooker Best. –

Chicago