Welcome to Ireland vs Italy

Andy Farrell has vowed Ireland would learn from their defeat against France and that rebuilding begins today with Italy at the Aviva Stadium.

The 24-30 defeat to Les Bleus ended Ireland’s Grand Slam ambitions but the championship crown is still a possibility as long as they win their remaining three matches.

Joey Carbery continues at flyhalf for Ireland as Johnny Sexton recovers from a hamstring strain, although he is on the bench.

Ulster’s Michael Lowry makes his debut at full-back and James Lowe returns from a groin injury at left-wing, with Mack Hansen switching to fourteen.

Second row James Ryan is out with an abductor injury sustained in training so Peter O’Mahony captains the side from blindside flanker.

This means Jack Conan, a test starter for the Lions in the summer, drops to the bench with Caelan Doris switching to the no.8 shirt.

Ronan Kelleher’s shoulder injury in Paris leaves Dan Sheehan free to step in at hooker for his first start.

In midfield, Robbie Henshaw replaces Bundee Aki, who is one of five players from the starting XV in Paris to drop out of the squad.

Connor Murray is another of those while Iain Henderson has covid and is isolating at home.