Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has slammed Agustin Pichot's criticism of his decision to select Jean Kleyn instead of Devin Toner in his World Cup squad.

This weekend sees two more important Summer Tests being played, as France welcomes Italy to Paris on Friday at 3:00 pm (ET) and Wales hosts Ireland on Saturday at 9:30 am (ET). 

Warren Gatland has named a much-changed side from the last test against England for this weekend's clash with Ireland in Cardiff. 

Joe Schmidt has made quite a few changes to his side that was pummeled a week ago against England. Ten fresh faces enter the starting lineup for the Irish. 

Irish fans will need no reminding that last weekend's flop against England is unacceptable form to take into the World Cup. 

Rugby fans aren't too impressed with Ireland's performance against England over the weekend.

Ireland got that one game out of the way and now the one team from the British Isles that hasn't ever made the Rugby World Cup semis is hoping this will be the year.

With Joe Schmidt away in New Zealand for a family bereavement, Andy Farrell has taken charge of the Ireland team leading up to their fixture this Saturday with Italy. 

Wales coach Neil Jenkins said that playing England this weekend, on Sunday, and then turning around to play again in six days is a good replication of the upcoming Rugby World Cup experience.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, the conquerer of the All Blacks and a hugely influential voice in Ireland camp, is back home in his native New Zealand because of a death in the family.