Caelan Doris shone and Jack Conan suffered an injury scare as Ireland launched their World Cup warm-up fixtures by easing to a 33-17 win over Italy in Dublin.
Forwards coach Paul O'Connell feels the locks Ireland have selected are 'big' enough to justify the exclusion of Munster star Jean Kleyn.
Ireland wing James Lowe has taken the philosophical approach with regard to their upcoming Rugby World Cup campaign.
Johnny Sexton's three-match ban will not affect the team ahead of their preparations for the World Cup, says Ireland full-back Jimmy O'Brien.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton finally discovered his fate on Sunday after he was handed a three-game suspension by the independent disciplinary commission.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton could see his World Cup preparations hampered after misconduct complaints were lodged following his behaviour towards match officials in the wake of Leinster's Heineken Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle.