Sexton Returns To Captain Ireland

Andy Farrell has made seven changes to the Ireland side for Saturday’s Six Nations game with Italy in  Rome.

Johnny Sexton returns to captain the side and partners Jamison Gibson Park in the halfbacks. This weekend has come too soon for Conor Murray who is continuing his hamstring rehab.

Robbie Henshaw earns his 50th cap for Ireland and will again partner Garry Ringrose in the midfield.

Hugo Keenan retains the No.15 jersey with James Lowe on the left wing and Jordan Larmour coming in on the right hand side.

A new front row combination of Dave Kilcoyne, Ronan Kelleher and Tadgh Furlong is set to start.

James Ryan returns to the second row to be partnered by Iain Henderson.Tadgh Beirne shifts to the backrow filling the blindside role with Will Connors at openside and CJ Stander at No.8.

The replacements for the weekend are Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Andrew Porter, Jack Conan, Billy Burns, Keith Earls and the uncapped duo Ryan Baird and Craig Casey

Ireland

15. Hugo Keenan 8 caps
16. Jordan Larmour 26 caps
17. Garry Ringrose 32 caps
18. Robbie Henshaw 49 caps
19. James Lowe 4 caps
20. Jonathan Sexton 96 caps (C)
21. Jamison Gibson Park 7 caps

1. Dave Kilcoyne 40 caps
2. Ronan Kelleher 8 caps
3. Tadhg Furlong 46 caps
4. Iain Henderson 60 caps
5. James Ryan 33 caps
6. Tadhg Beirne 19 caps
7. Will Connors 7 caps
8. CJ Stander 48 caps

Replacements

16. Rob Herring 18 caps
17. Cian Healy 106 caps
18. Andrew Porter 34 caps
19. Ryan Baird uncapped
20. Jack Conan 17 caps
21. Craig Casey uncapped
22. Billy Burns 5 caps
23. Keith Earls 90 caps

Ireland v Italy

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Kick-off 2:15 (Irish time)