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Ireland name team for Italy - 6 changes
By Online Editors
Joe Schmidt hasn't been afraid to change a winning formula by making several alterations to his team for the Natwest 6 Nations match with Italy.
There are no changes to the backline but Jordan Larmour is selected on the bench.
Rory Best leads the side on the occasion of his 108th cap and is joined in the front row by Jack McGrath and Tadhg Furlong.
Iain Henderson and Devin Toner line-out in the second row with Peter O'Mahony at blindside, Dan Leavy on the openside and Jack Conan at No.8.
Conor Murray, who won his 60th cap last week, again partners Johnny Sexton, who will win his 70th on Saturday, while Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw are paired in the centres.
Rob Kearney, winning his 80th cap, is at fullback with Keith Earls and Jacob Stockdale on the wings.
15. Rob Kearney
14. Keith Earls
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best (captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Devin Toner
5. Iain Henderson
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Dan Leavy
8. Jack Conan
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin
17. Cian Healy
18. Andrew Porter
19. Quinn Roux
20. CJ Stander
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Joey Carbery
23. Jordan Larmour
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Latest Comments
BB a 9'5 you have to be kidding. No way was he that good you seem to have the same hero worship of BB that the coaches have with him. Rieko to the wing or out altogether he is actually a real hand brake to this team.
Go to commentsA 20pt messy win is about what I expected. Lots of media & fans not reading the room imo. I think the Azzuri were hoping to ambush a 2nd string ABs & may well have done so. Eking out an ugly win is definitely a sign of growth. 2025 looks exciting.
Also, AUS has only beaten ENG of note. They need to show up v SCO & IRE to get a proper gauge. Beating WAL three times doesn't count. Also, winning one test from six in TRC is useless. So TRC2025 will be the real litmus test for AUS. That said, I'm rooting for our SH brothers for the next two tests.
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