Ireland host Italy at the AVIVA Stadium on Sunday with a 3pm kick-off; Peter O’Mahony will lead the outfit from the back row; Italy arrive in Dublin seeking to end a run of 34 successive losses in the Six Nations
Last Updated: 25/02/22 4:33pm
Joey Carbery has retained the starting 10 jersey with Johnny Sexton on the bench for Ireland
Joey Carbery will start at fly-half with Johnny Sexton on the bench for Ireland against Italy in the Six Nations on Sunday.
Michael Lowry has been selected at full-back and will earn his first international cap as one of six changes made by head coach Andy Farrell.James Lowe returns from injury meaning that Mack Hansen switches wings and takes the place of Andrew Conway. Peter O’Mahony will lead the outfit from the back row, alongside Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris.Up front, Dan Sheehan is set to make his first start for Ireland, as will lock Ryan Baird due to the injury absences of Ronan Kelleher and James Ryan. Ryan has been ruled out due to an adductor issue. Johnny Sexton will be part of Ireland’s replacements and look to make an impact off the bench Sexton, who missed Ireland’s match against France due to a hamstring injury, announced his return to fitness on Wednesday.The 36-year-old is given a place on Ireland’s bench and is joined there by Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Craig Casey and James Hume.Ireland go into Round Three of the Championship trailing leaders France by three points, after securing a losing bonus point in Paris. The team finish their campaign with a trip to England and a home finale against Scotland. G …