Ireland have made six changes to the side to face Italy in their final-round Six Nations match, with Jack Crowley replacing Sam Prendergast at fly-half in the headline change.
Crowley, who was Ireland’s starting 10 for last year’s championship- winning side, lost his place to 22-year-old Prendergast in the final autumn international against Australia, with the latter then starting each of Ireland’s opening four fixtures in this Six Nations.
Despite Crowley emerging from the bench for a big impact in the opening weekend victory over England, he was then frozen out as Prendergast completed 80 minutes against Scotland, Wales and France – Crowley coming on for cameos at full-back and inside centre.
Elsewhere for Ireland, centre Garry Ringrose is back after suspension while wings James Low and Mack Hansen return after costly injuries.
In the forward pack, James Ryan replaces Joe McCarthy at lock while Jack Conan comes into the back-row for Peter O’Mahony.
Tighthead Tadhg Furlong, who has missed the entire championship due to a calf injury, makes his return on the bench.
Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Finlay Bealham, 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 6 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (c).
Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Jack Boyle, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Joe McCarthy, 20 Peter O’Mahony, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Bundee Aki.
Ireland wing Mack Hansen returns from a quad injury to start
More to follow…
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Six Nations Super Saturday fixtures: Round Five
Saturday March 15
Italy vs Ireland (2.15pm kick-off)
Wales vs England (4.45pm kick-off)
France vs Scotland (8pm kick-off)
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