Joe Schmidt cuts Six Nations squad to a mere 38

If squad size is any barometer of success, then Ireland are a shoo-in for the another Six Nations title.

With the Wolfhounds match out of the way, head coach Joe Schmidt has culled a mere seven from his original 45-man panel ahead of this weekend's opening championship encounter with Italy in Rome. Wings Fergus McFadden (ribs) and Craig Gilroy (concussion) have been ruled out while Leinster trio Jack Conan, Michael Bent and Noel Reid, along with Ulster hooker Rob Herring, have been released to the provinces following their efforts against England Saxons. There is good news for several other members of the squad, however, with Munster scrum-half Conor Murray and Leinster quartet of Dave Kearney, Eoin Reddan, Jamie Heaslip and Luke Fitzgerald all set to train fully ahead of Rome.