IRELAND COACH JOE Schmidt has made just one enforced change to his starting line-up for this Saturday’s Six Nations match against Italy at Lansdowne Road.
That change sees Iain Henderson promoted from the bench to make his second international start. The Ulster man takes over the blindside flanker slot from Peter O’Mahony who misses out after suffering a hamstring injury in the 13 – 10 loss to England at Twickenham.
Jonathan Sexton has apparently overcome the sprained thumb which his club had indicated would keep him out of contention. Paddy Jackson continues to provide cover for the Racing Metro man on the bench.
The knock-on effect of the single change to the starting XV brings Rhys Ruddock in among the replacements bench alongside Jordi Murphy, with Henderson the only recognised cover for second rows Paul O’Connell and Devin Toner.
In addition to Ruddock, there is a second change among the replacements; fit again scrum-half Eoin Reddan taking over from Isaac Boss as expected.
Brian O’Driscoll starts his 140th international Test to break George Gregan’s record of 139, the game will also be his final Ireland cap on home soil.
Ireland (v Italy): R Kearney, A Trimble, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, D Kearney; J Sexton, C Murray: C Healy, R Best, M Ross; D Toner, P O’Connell (Capt.), I Henderson, C Henry, J Heaslip.Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, M Moore, R Ruddock, J Murphy, E Reddan, P Jackson, F McFadden.
