Ireland make six changes for Italy game in Dublin

Ulster’s Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu will make their Six Nations debuts as part of a much-changed Ireland side for Saturday’s game against Italy (14:10 GMT) in Dublin.

Andy Farrell makes six alterations to the side that fell to a disappointing 36-14 defeat by France in their opening game in Paris last week.

Baloucoune, who has scored six tries for Ulster this season, won the last of his four Ireland caps in November 2022 and replaces Tommy O’Brien on the right wing.

Izuchukwu, who missed the autumn Tests because of injury, is named at blind-side flanker in a shaken-up back row with Jack Conan starting at eight and captain Caelan Doris moving to open-side.

Munster second row Edwin Edogbo is set to make his international debut after being named on the bench.

“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,” said Farrell.

“A product of the club game with Cobh Pirates and UCC (University College Cork), 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.”

Italy have handed full-back Lorenzo Pani his first Test start in nearly two years. With Pani’s inclusion, Leonardo Marin moves to outside centre to replace the unavailable Juan Ignacio Brex.

Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; S Prendergast, Casey; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Izuchukwu, Doris (capt), Conan.

Replacements: Kelleher, O’Toole, Furlong, Edogbo, Beirne, Timoney, Gibson-Park, Crowley.

Italy: Pani; Lynagh, Marin, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, Fusco; Cannone, Zuliani, Lamaro (capt), Zambonin, Cannone, Ferrari, Nicotera, Fischetti.

Having lost his place to Jacob Stockdale last week, James Lowe is reinstated to the left wing with Jamie Osborne retained at full-back, while Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose continue in midfield.

The other backline change sees Craig Casey, who captained Ireland’s summer tour last year, replace Jamison Gibson-Park.

Farrell has named an unchanged front row of Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson, but James Ryan has been recalled to the second row with Tadhg Beirne dropping to the bench.

British and Irish Lions prop Tadhg Furlong is fit enough for a place on the bench after recovering from a calf injury, while Tom O’Toole – who can cover loose-head and tight-head – is set for his first Six Nations appearance since 2023.

Nick Timoney again must settle for a place on the bench despite making a significant impact and scoring Ireland’s first try when he was introduced against France, while prop Michael Milne is not involved after his try-scoring display in Paris.

There is no place in the matchday squad for Ulster’s uncapped back row Bryn Ward after he was called up earlier this week.