Ireland call on Payne

Centre Jared Payne is one of two changes to Ireland's team ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash against Italy in Dublin.

Payne's return from injury at outside centre sees his midfield partner Robbie Henshaw shift to the inside channel. Elsewhere in the backline, Simon Zebo starts at fullback in place of Rob Kearney, who is sidelined through injury.

Flyhalf Jonathan Sexton will win his 60th cap on at the Aviva Stadium as he teams up alongside Conor Murray in the half backs.

Elsewhere hooker Rory Best will become only the seventh Irish player to hit a half-century in the Six Nations,  while replacement hooker Sean Cronin is set to earn his 50th cap if he is used off the bench on Saturday.

Ireland – 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray,  8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 CJ Stander, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Donnacha Ryan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Jack McGrath.
Subs: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Nathan White, 19 Ultan Dillane, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Kieran Marmion,  22 Ian Madigan, 23 Fergus McFadden.

Six Nations teams (Round 4)

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

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