Joe Schmidt has chosen to make four changes to the Ireland team that beat Scotland in Week 2 of the Guinness Six Nations. All four changes made are in the pack with the notable inclusion being Sean Cronin who starts in place of captain Rory Best. In the absence of Rory Best, Munster flanker Peter O’Mahony will captain the side.
Elsewhere in the team Connacht man Ultane Dillane comes in for the impressive James Ryan who has had a terrific tournament so far. Ryan made 14 carries and 15 tackles in an outstanding performance yet again last week. Cian Healy’s resurgence to his best ever form continues also and has as such been rested with Munster’s Dave Kilcoyne being rewarded with a start at loosehead.
Jordi Murphy slots into the pack at number 8 due to CJ Stander being still out injured and Jack Conan not deemed full fit enough to start.
#GuinnessSixNations
Here’s the Ireland team to play Italy on Sunday in Round 3 of the @SixNationsRugby Championship.#TeamOfUs #ITAvIRE #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/RdF7JNduIF— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 22, 2019
The backline remains the same as two weeks ago with center partnership Farrell and Aki remaining. The bench sees the inclusion Connacht’s Jack Carty who replaces injured Joey Carberry. Carty, who could come on to win his first test cap has been impressive this season for Connacht seeing his consistency develop under Andy Friend.
Below is the starting lineup in full;
- Dave Kilcoyne (Munster)
- Sean Cronin (Leinster)
- Tadhg Furlong (Leinster)
- Ultan Dillane (Connacht)
- Quinn Roux (Connacht)
- Peter O’Mahony (Munster)
- Sean O’Brien (Leinster)
- Jordi Murphy (Ulster)
- Conor Murray (Munster)
- Jonathan Sexton (Leinster)
- Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)
- Bundee Aki (Connacht)
- Chris Farrell (Munster)
- Keith Earls (Munster)
- 15.Rob Kearney (Leinster)
USRN 
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