Ireland's Six Nations Shake-Up: Ulster Duo Set for Championship Debuts
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has unveiled a significantly revamped starting lineup for Saturday's Six Nations encounter with Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The selection includes six changes from the side that suffered a heavy defeat to France in round one, with two Ulster players handed their championship debuts.
Fresh Faces in the Backline and Back Row
Wing Robert Baloucoune and blindside flanker Cormac Izuchukwu are the headline inclusions, both set to make their Six Nations bows. Baloucoune, earning his first international call-up since November 2022 and his fifth cap overall, has been preferred on the right wing over Tommy O'Brien following impressive provincial form for Ulster.
Izuchukwu, who has recovered from a toe injury, will win his fourth Test cap. He joins captain Caelan Doris and the recalled Jack Conan in a reshuffled back row. This selection sees Doris shift to the openside flanker position to accommodate Conan's return at number eight.
Further Changes and Bench Strength
The backline sees further adjustments with scrum-half Craig Casey replacing Jamison Gibson-Park to partner the retained Sam Prendergast at fly-half. On the left wing, James Lowe is restored in place of Jacob Stockdale. In the second row, James Ryan comes in for Tadhg Beirne to partner Joe McCarthy.
The front row remains unchanged with Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, and Thomas Clarkson starting, meaning fit-again prop Tadhg Furlong must settle for a place among the replacements. The bench features a six-two split of forwards and backs and includes the potential for an international debut from 23-year-old uncapped Munster lock Edwin Edogbo.
Omissions and Coach's Perspective
Notably, several players who started in the loss to France have been omitted entirely from the matchday squad. This includes back-row duo Cian Prendergast and Josh van der Flier, along with wings Tommy O'Brien and Jacob Stockdale.
Head coach Andy Farrell emphasized the opportunity ahead, stating, "Saturday provides us with a great opportunity in front of a packed home crowd at Aviva Stadium. We've had some great battles against Italy in recent years and Saturday will be no different." He added, "We know we have to reach a consistently high standard and that's the exciting challenge that awaits us. There has been a positive reaction in training this week and we'll aim to keep on building into the weekend."
This selection suggests Farrell is not only reacting to the opening defeat but also potentially managing his squad with an eye on the following weekend's crucial Twickenham showdown against England.
