Ireland suffered a few injury scares in the process of claiming a convincing win over Italy in a World Cup warm-up match in Dublin on Saturday.

Caelan Doris scored two tries while Jack Conan suffered an injury scare as Ireland overpowered Italy 33-17 in their opening World Cup warm-up match in Dublin.

Back-row Conan left the field shortly before half-time and was later pictured in a protective boot on the bench.

Fullback Jimmy O’Brien and scrumhalf Craig Casey were also withdrawn for treatment to give Ireland coach Andy Farrell further cause for concern as his side eased to a 15th successive home victory.

“They seem not too bad,” Farrell said of the injuries.

“Jimmy’s shoulder has shut down a little bit, that’s happened him before. Jack has lost power in his foot, Craig had a tight back which led to tightness in his hamstring.

“I’m delighted to get the win, it matters to us when we play at the Aviva.”

Jack Crowley impressed in the absence of suspended Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, with the starting XV showing just three survivors from the team that clinched a Six Nations Grand Slam against England in March.

But Ireland, top of the world rankings, still ran in three tries before the break to lead 21-3 at half-time.

“It was a very enjoyable one – it’s great be up and running although it was far from a perfect performance,” back-row Doris told Amazon Prime.

“Hopefully the rust will come off and we’ll put in better performances.”

Ireland, in Pool B at the World Cup with South Africa and Scotland, now have a fortnight’s break until their next warm-up match, at home to England on August 19. Italy play Romania on the same day.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: PAUL FAITH / AFP