Ireland captain Paul O’Connell said rookie No 8 Jordi Murphy must “play his own game” on Saturday rather than worry about his “superstar” opposite number, Italy’s Sergio Parisse.
O’Connell said it would be “strange” to open the Six Nations against the Italians in Rome without his right-hand man Jamie Heaslip.
Vice captain and near-ever-present No 8 Heaslip will miss just his second Six Nations match in Ireland’s past 36 after failing to beat shoulder trouble in time for the Stadio Olimpico clash.
“It is strange,” O’Connell said f Heaslip’s rare absence. “You definitely lose a relaxed leadership around the place. He always has plenty to say and a good way of saying it. There’s no doubt he’d be a handy guy to have, especially with a few inexperienced guys in the team, but that’s part and parcel of it, you just have to get on with it.
“Having watched Jordi in the last few months, his own game is excellent. He’s incredibly fit, incredibly powerful, an excellent ball-carrier, a very clever player as well.”
The Irish captain noted Parisse so often provides Italy’s rhythm, guile and finesse, and also lacks nothing in guts.
O’Connell hailed Parisse, 31, as “one of the best in the world”, but expects four-cap Murphy to handle the tussle.
“There’s no doubt Parisse’s a superstar, a fantastic player, but I don’t think you come directly up against your opposite number all that much,” O’Connell said.
“The big thing for Jordi is to play his own game.”
Scotland coach Vern Cotter has warned his pack they had better be ready for a fight at Paris today.
The New Zealander has made just two alterations to the side that scored five tries against Tonga at Rugby Park in November for Scotland’s opening Six Nations clash with France.
Euan Murray takes Geoff Cross’s slot in the front row, while centre Mark Bennett comes into the team in place of Sean Lamont.
But it is among the forward division where the head coach expects the main skirmishes to be played out at the Stade de France.
With a set of on-form backs eager to get their hands on the ball, though, the Kiwi said he believes a strong display from his pack could set up a winning performance.
“We’re feeling excited,” Cotter said. “It’s nice to be able to see the two Gray brothers – Jonny and Richie – together again and Euan Murray comes in too. The tight forward battle will be critical [Saturday].
“France are a big, heavy forward pack, and I think they anticipate they will dominate us, so really our guys have got to roll their sleeves up and try to find parity in the tight exchanges, get ball and free up.
“In the half-backs, Greig Laidlaw is a very experienced player and he has got Finn Russell under his wing.
“They have been working hard on game strategy and game management and they will be assisted by others.
“The guys want to do well. It’s been a long time between drinks – 16 years – and they see that as a challenge
“Whatever happens I’m sure they will acquit themselves well. They are all very proud to pull on that jersey.”
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Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species
Camelpox
Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.
Falconpox
Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.
Houbarapox
Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.
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Syria squad
Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Alma, Mahmoud Al Youssef, Ahmad Madania.
Defenders: Ahmad Al Salih, Moayad Ajan, Jehad Al Baour, Omar Midani, Amro Jenyat, Hussein Jwayed, Nadim Sabagh, Abdul Malek Anezan.
Midfielders: Mahmoud Al Mawas, Mohammed Osman, Osama Omari, Tamer Haj Mohamad, Ahmad Ashkar, Youssef Kalfa, Zaher Midani, Khaled Al Mobayed, Fahd Youssef.
Forwards: Omar Khribin, Omar Al Somah, Mardik Mardikian.
Scorline
Iraq 1-0 UAE
Iraq Hussein 28’
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
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Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
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Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
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The five pillars of Islam