Andy Farrell makes 6 changes to Ireland team for Italian job in Dublin

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made six changes to his Ireland’s starting team as they look to bounce back in the Guinness Six Nations against Italy on Saturday after suffering a chastening opening round loss to France in Paris.

Caelan Doris once again captains the side, with Munster second row Edwin Edogbo is in line for his Test debut after being named among the replacements. The 6’5, 127kg 21-year-old has impressed in camp and recently returned from a long-term injury, scoring three tries in nine appearances for his province this season.

Jamie Osborne continues at full-back, while Ulster’s Rob Baloucoune is set for his Six Nations debut on the wing alongside James Lowe. Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose are retained in midfield.

Craig Casey comes into the starting XV to partner Sam Prendergast at half-back, with Jamieson Gibson-Park having to make do with a spot on the bench.

The front row of Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson remains unchanged, while Joe McCarthy and James Ryan link up in the second row, with Tadhg Beirne dropping to the bench after starting in Paris last week.

Cormac Izuchukwu makes his first Six Nations start at blindside, with Doris switching to openside and Jack Conan starting at number eight. It’s Izuchukwu’s first Ireland appearance since he featured in the 106-7 hammering of Portugal last summer in Lisbon.

Tadhg Furlong returns from injury to take his place on the bench alongside Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Edogbo, Tadhg Beirne and Nick Timoney. Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley provide the backline cover.

Andy Farrell said: “Saturday provides us with a great opportunity in front of a packed home crowd at Aviva Stadium. We’ve had some great battles against Italy in recent years and Saturday will be no different. We know we have to reach a consistently high standard and that’s the exciting challenge that awaits us. There has been a positive reaction in training this week and we’ll aim to keep on building into the weekend.

“In congratulating all of the 23 on their selection, I would like to single out Edwin [Edogbo] on his first selection for the senior team. A product of the club game with Cobh Pirates and UCC, he has shown real quality in his performances for Munster and in training with us over recent times. We will aim to make it a special day for Edwin, his family and all those who have played a part in his journey to date.”

Ireland team vs Italy:
15. Jamie Osborne
14. Robert Baloucoune
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. James Lowe
10. Sam Prendergast
9. Craig Casey

1. Jeremy Loughman
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Thomas Clarkson
4. Joe McCarthy
5. James Ryan
6. Cormac Izuchukwu
7. Caelan Doris
8. Jack Conan

Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher
17. Tom O’Toole
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Edwin Edogbo
20. Tadhg Beirne
21. Nick Timoney
22. Jamison Gibson-Park
23. Jack Crowley