Johnny Sexton returns to captain the Ireland side for their Round 3 clash against Italy, as one of seven changes made by Andy Farrell ahead of this Saturday’s clash at Stadio Olimpico.
The Men in Green are still searching for their first victory in this year’s Championship and have Leinster man Sexton back after the fly-half missed the 15-13 defeat to France in Round 2.
Sexton will form a half-back partnership with clubmate Jamison Gibson-Park, who continues at No.9 with Conor Murray missing out once again due to a hamstring injury.
James Ryan also returns to the second row after injury to partner Iain Henderson, who keeps his starting spot after captaining the side last time out against Les Bleus.
Robbie Henshaw will earn his 50th international cap in Rome this weekend, lining up alongside Garry Ringrose in the midfield, while Jordan Larmour comes in to start on the wing, with James Lowe on the opposite flank and Hugo Keenan completing the back three – making the backline an all-Leinster affair.
There is a completely new front row for the trip to Rome with Dave Kilcoyne, Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong all coming into the starting XV, while Tadhg Beirne shifts to the back row.
Beirne will be operating at blindside flanker against Franco Smith’s side, with Will Connors at openside and CJ Stander at No.8.
There are two uncapped players on the bench this weekend, with Craig Casey and Ryan Baird in line for their first international caps if called upon.
Completing the bench is Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Andrew Porter, Jack Conan, Billy Burns and Keith Earls.
Ireland team to play Italy in Round 3 of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations
15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster) 8 caps
14. Jordan Larmour (Leinster) 26 caps
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster) 32 caps
12. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster) 49 caps
11. James Lowe (Leinster) 4 caps
10. Jonathan Sexton (Leinster) 96 caps – captain
9. Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 7 caps
1. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster) 40 caps
2. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster) 8 caps
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster) 46 caps
4. Iain Henderson (Ulster) 60 caps
5. James Ryan (Leinster) 33 caps
6. Tadhg Beirne (Munster) 19 caps
7. Will Connors (Leinster) 7 caps
8. CJ Stander (Munster) 48 caps
Replacements 16. Rob Herring (Ulster) 18 caps
17. Cian Healy (Leinster) 106 caps
18. Andrew Porter (Leinster) 34 caps
19. Ryan Baird (Leinster) uncapped
20. Jack Conan (Leinster) 17 caps
21. Craig Casey (Munster) uncapped
22. Billy Burns (Ulster) 5 caps
23. Keith Earls (Munster) 90 caps
