Rob Kearney's injury troubles have returned to make him a doubt for this weekend's game against Italy.
The Leinster fullback missed Ireland's opening game of the tournament against Wales with a hamstring injury. It is that same muscle which leaves him uncertain to be a part of Joe Schmidt's side when it is announced on Thursay.
Rob Kearney a major doubt for Italy after sitting out training with a hamstring injury. Not confirmed if it's the same problem as before.
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) March 8, 2016
For that game against Wales, Kearney's place was taken by Simon Zebo. The Munster back was one of Ireland's main attacking forces on that Sunday in February.
Zebo made lines breaks, something sorely missing from the Ireland offence in the games which followed.
Kearney would return to the starting line-up for the following week's game against France - Zebo, injured, was unable to take a place on the bench.
Apart from Zebo, Joe Schmidt does have one other intriguing option at a replacement for Kearney - Jared Payne.
The New Zealand-born player 30-year-old is injury free once again. The centre combination of Stuart McCloskey and Robbie Henshaw showed real promise against England.
Hopefully, Schmidt will not break it up by returning Payne to the line-up at 13. While solid defensively, attacking-wise, outside-centre is not his best position. Payne at fullback, however, is a different proposition.
For those hoping to see a more attacking line-up against Italy, the injury to Kearney - while unfortunate for him - could facilitate that occurrence.
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
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