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Rugby

25th Feb 2021

Leinster-heavy line-up as Ireland and Farrell aim for first Six Nations win

SportsJOE

Andy Farrell has gone Leinster-heavy in his bid to secure a first win for Ireland in this Six Nations Championship.

An all-Leinster backline will take to Rome this Saturday when Ireland take on Italy at 2.15. Johnathan Sexton will return to captain the side that has seven changes from our Round Two loss to France at the Aviva Stadium.

In what is a totally new-look front row, Ronan Kelleher makes his first Championship start alongside Tadhg Furlong and Dave Kilcoyne. Behind them, James Ryan has also recovered from his HIA sustained in the first round against Wales.

Jameson Gibson Park holds onto his position at scrum half with Conor Murray injured while Robbie Henshaw will win his 50th cap for his country. Keith Earls has been replaced by Jordan Larmour on the wing.

Both Ryan Baird and Craig Casey are on the bench and could make their international debuts. You can see how the team will line out below.

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IRFU