Picking Ireland’s team to play Italy as they look to get back on track in 6N

A little food for thought on the different possibilities for the Irish first fifteen to start against Italy this weekend

Ireland look to rebound from their epic encounter in France with a win against Italy this weekend. Andy Farrell’s side should be looking to put a score on the Italian side especially playing in the Aviva Stadium as they seek to put pressure on France who top the Six Nations table.

Often, the sight of the Azurri has allowed for Irish coaches to experiment and Sunday promises to be no different with Farrell likely to shuffle the pack.

Below we explore the options at Farrell’s disposal and pick our team to play Italy.

1. Andrew Porter

Porter has been the one of the stars of Irish squad for the last while. I think he’s currently undroppable.

2. Dan Sheehan

Came on last week against France for Kelleher who had a poor game and made a real impact on the game. Head coach Andy Farrell likes to change his team based on performance and I don’t see any reason why not take the chance on Sheehan with Kelleher ruled out.

3. Finley Bealham

With Tadhg Furlong being the pinnacle of Irish rugby for so long, to lose him to an injury against Italy wouldn’t be a good enough risk by Farrell. That will give a chance to his back up, Bealham.

4. Tadhg Beirne

To hold a star like this out of the squad is too much. The man that the team looks at when in need of some inspiration. Beirne is a brilliant leader and will be able to help keep control of this pack.

5. James Ryan

Ryan will look to fix himself up after a poor performance against France. Playing against Italy should boost his confidence to keep his head focused on the task at hand with the remaining games.

6. Gavin Coombes

Coombes looks like he will get the opportunity to start on Sunday. The young Munster player has been excellent al season and there’s no reason for him not to start.

7. Josh Van De Flier

Van de Flier seems to never put a foot wrong when wearing the green jersey but always seems to be in and out of the starting team. His pace will prove useful against the young Italian squad.

8. Jack Conan

A rare off day for Conan against France is sure to make him hungry to prove himself again. Capable of changing any game in an instant.

9. Craig Casey

Casey was excellent against Edinburgh last Friday night. Farrell may give him the nod to see if he can produce what Gibson Park has done for the last while.

10. Joey Carbery

A very difficult call for Farrell here, I don’t see why we would risk Sexton for this game. Carbery is the future of the Irish team and to be fending off an inform Jack Carty is testament to this. Carbery should look to try and get into this team sooner with back-to-back performances.

11. Mike Lowry

The young Ulster man might get the nod this weekend following his recent form. His performance against Connacht was immense and to give him the nod may not be a bad shout.

12. Bundi Aki

Personally, I feel Aki has been the key to the Irish performance of late, both from work on the ball and off the ball. The Connacht centre will be able to do real damage against the light Italy back line.

13. Robbie Henshaw

Henshaw could look to rekindle his relationship with Bundi Aki in a start this weekend. Henshaw has been an outstanding player for Ireland as of late and to find his form again would give Farrell a lot to think about now.

14. Andrew Conway

Currently sitting second from the summit in the top try scorer stakesConway can target this game to move into first place. Conway has stood the test of all the new wingers coming through and Farrell may resist resting him.

15. Hugo Keenan

The full-back had probably his first ever bad performance against France last week and will look to prove to himself that he’ll be back in action for the future.

Replacements:

16. Cian Healy

17. Rob Herring

18. Dave Kilcoyne

19. Caelan Doris

20. Ryan Baird

21. Conor Murray

22. Johnny Sexton

23. Garry Ringrose