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Six Nations

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

By Ian Cameron

45 days ago

James Ryan during an Ireland Rugby squad training session at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

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.

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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

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Comments

8 Comments

GoTahs 44 days ago

Very strong bench. Surprised to see JGP on the pine though.

tf 45 days ago

Really don't like Doris at 7. It always seems a little forced trying to get him and Conan on to the same team when both are best at 8. At 6 its ok as they can carry it off. But Dorris just doesn't do the dirty stuff you want from a 7 as well. Great 8 but only ever plays 7 once a year at most. Timoney was really good last week as well.

Great to see some of the other new faces. Although I think Lowe in for Stockdale is a step back.

Should still win at home. But if Italy aren't fried from last week, it could be close.

TheNotoriousFig 45 days ago

That is a little more adventurous than I expected.

Exciting to see fresh faces, even if they are not young, Izuchukwu and Robert Baloucoune deserve a crack. Edogbo off of the bench will be really interesting to se and a welcome new face to the tight 5.

Otherwise a little bit of rotation, a little bit of eye on the future. Osborne at FB seems fair enough if Keenan is still out. A bit harsh on Stockdale but Lowe must be fit and I would hope raring to go. Perhaps one eye on England who Lowe has enjoyed playing against? O’Brien wasn’t great last week and Bobby B deserves a go.

Ringrose and McCloskey in the centres says to me that there is not another 13 in the mixer yet. Big Stu was good and will have to be sharp against Menoncello.

Prendy the Younger getting picked again is a real statement that Farrell is all in on him. He’ll need his kicking boots as we have to put scoreboard pressure on the Italians as well as tries. Casey getting the nod is a good sign, JGP off of the bench gives you a bit more cover and in theory, you are springing him when the gaps start to appear in the Italian defence.

Cormac in the backrow is a meaty choice, lots of expectation for him, Putting Doris at 7 is not a hard choice as long as he can do as prime VdF did and run great lines. Conan brought some energy last week so warrants a start. Surprised that Beirne was moved to the bench but he did seem a bit spent last week. Edogobo coming on for one of ‘row should be interesting, hopefully Ryan calls a good lineout. Front row as you were, Tom O’Toole getting the nod at replacement prop is interesting as he is a TH at Ulster and he is covering LH here. He has played LH and there appears to be interest from Farrell to have him switched to LH at club level. I am wondering if he is also there to cover for Furlong if he can’t make it through his sub appearance. Either way, tough on Milne and Bealham - Milne in particular. Hookers have to give us more this week than last week and get up to speed.

This Italy squad are no mugs and are coached well so should be a good game. All to play for!

Eric Elwood 45 days ago

Good observation on O’Toole/Furlong.

BTW Bobby B not in squad.

The defence will be a lot sharper this week. Hopefully the attack also. A win is the goal but a big step up needed ahead of Twickenham too.

Hammer Head 45 days ago

Nice to see Irish players practicing catching and passing.

Eric Elwood 45 days ago

Really excited to see Eddie Edogbo make his debut off the bench. Get brother Sean Odogbo in soon too!

Smart to leave Beirne out. He needs a rest before England and he is 33 and won’t be around much longer anyway.

Ed the Duck 45 days ago

Yep, just like Ringrose, Lowe, Gibson Park and Furlong too. The future’s bright, the future’s not emerald green!