Rugby World Cup

Mick Galwey's NZ Cycle

Mick Galwey is leading a team of cyclists in New Zealand to raise funds for the IRFU Charitable Trust.

The trust supports seriously injured rugby players - you can find out from some of the players about the work on our youtube video.

The Rugby World Cup Cycle and Walk will raise much needed funds to help these players and to improve their quality of life.

You can support Mick and all the other cyclists by donating online now.

For more information on the IRFU Charitable Trust - click here.

Follow the IRFU Charitble Trust on www.twitter.com/irfuchartrust

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Paul O'Connell recognises the improvements in Italy's game since the start of the RBS 6 Nations as he prepares to lead Ireland against the Azzurri on Saturday. "Their pack is their biggest strength. They've probably added to that a bit, they're playing a bit more with ball in hand. Their attack has been a lot better in the last two games, they're beginning to mix it both ways," he said.

Expressing the Ireland squad's eagerness to record their opening win of 2012 against Italy, centre Gordon D'Arcy said: "There's a huge amount at stake...our home record, getting a Championship challenge back on track, just setting the record straight and repaying people who have put faith in us - that goes from the management right the way through to the amazing support that we got when we dipped in performance a little bit."

Weighing up the challenge posed by Italy this weekend, Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris said: "They're a very physical team and have been slightly unlucky so far in this Six Nations. Breakdown, scrum and set piece, they're very strong in those areas. We need to hold onto the ball and be patient. It may take 50 or 60 minutes to break them down."

Speaking ahead of Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy, Ireland scrum half Conor Murray said: "We've had a bit more time to gel and train together. Hopefully it'll work against Italy and we get to show what we can do with the ball and hold onto it for a bit longer. Fellas have healed up injuries and are fresh, we'll take positives out of it and kick on - there'll be no excuses."

Listen to Ireland head coach Declan Kidney name the team to face Italy in the Six Nations this weekend. "We had a good long discussion about it (the selection). We took a look at all the permutations, a couple of lads wouldn't have had a game for a number of weeks. We felt this team was good enough to play France, so obviously we'd consider them good enough to play this match too," he said.

Looking forward to tackling les Bleus at the Stade de France, Ireland full-back Rob Kearney said: "To be fair to the backs, it wasn't our attacking play that let us down against Wales. If we can bring that level of attack by maybe adding another 5% on top of it then we'll ask a lot of questions of the French defence."

Andrew Trimble will make only his third RBS 6 Nations start for Ireland in three years when he lines out on the left wing against Wales. "We're going well up north, I feel like I'm getting my hands on the ball and playing well. I just want to be able to transfer that confidence onto the pitch on Sunday in a green shirt," he said.