Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has made four changes which includes one new cap from the team that beat Scotland for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Italy at Lansdowne Road. Munster winger, John Kelly, will make his debut on the right wing with Shane Horgan partnering Brian O'Driscoll in the centre.
In the absence of the injured Keith Wood, who has a back injury, Shane Byrne makes his first Six Nations start as hooker. Gary Longwell partners Malcolm O'Kelly in the second row while Simon Easterby is preferred to Eric Miller in the back row. Ulster's David Humphrey's will captain the side.
Ireland Team: 15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 John Kelly, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Shane Horgan, 11 Denis Hickie, 10 David Humphreys (Captain), 9 Peter Stringer, 1 Peter Clohessy, 2 Shane Byrne, 3 John Hayes, 4 Gary Longwell, 5 Malcolm O'Kelly, 6 Simon Easterby, 7 David Wallace, 8 Anthony Foley.
Replacements: 16 Frankie Sheahan, 17 Paul Wallace, 18 Paul O'Connell, 19 Eric Miller, 20 Guy Easterby, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Tyrone Howe.
Not considered: Rob Henderson, Kevin Maggs, Geordan Murphy and Keith Wood.
The Irish A team to play Italy A at Donnybrook on Friday, March 22nd at 6pm was also named.
Ireland A Team: 15 Paddy Wallace, 14 Gordon Darcy, 13 Mike Mullins, 12 Jason Holland, 11 Anthony Horgan, 10 Paul Burke, 9 Neil Doak, 1 Reggie Corrigan (Captain) 2 Gavin Hickie, 3 Simon Best, 4 Leo Cullen, 5 Bob Casey, 6 Alan Quinlan, 7 Keith Gleeson, 8 Victor Costello,
Replacements: 16 James Blaney, 17 Marcus Horan, 18 Donnacha O'Callaghan, 19 Andy Ward, 20 Brian O'Meara, 21 Jeremy Staunton, 22 Justin Bishop.
Not considered: Paul Shields.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
