Ireland back-row Jordi Murphy says there's intense competition among the squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

He starts in tomorrow's first warm-up game against Italy at the Aviva Stadium.

With cuts set to be made to the group in the next couple of weeks, Murphy says everyone is looking to impress.

The Ulster forward starts at number-eight at the Azzurri and he's hoping to prove to the Ireland management that he can play across the back-row.

“I’m getting an opportunity and I want to make the most of that. It’s great to have the versatility on my side so hopefully, I can impress this weekend and if I get another opportunity in the weeks to come, I might get to play somewhere else as well.

“If that’s what they want from me, versatility, and it gets you a ticket to go over, then I’m happy to be able to offer that. Like Joe said to me there the last day, he knows I’ve been playing at seven a lot this season but I’d be playing at eight this weekend, my answer to that was I just want to play.”

Ultan Dillane and Rory Scannell were dropped from the squad earlier this week and winger Andrew Conway says the players are aware of what's on the line in the next few weeks.

“You’re aware that will happen as the weeks go by. It’s tough on everyone. It’s mainly tough on the guys that are going but it does make you realise you have to be putting your best foot forward every session.

“We’re the lucky ones who get to put the jersey on this weekend and it’s important not to take that for granted.
“The message coming from the group, and you know from being in this environment for a while, putting the team first will make the individual look good. Making the guy next to you look good will benefit the team. That’s always been the vibe in here.”