Ireland excited about Italy challenge - Andy Farrell

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has emphasised opportunity and competition within his squad after naming a reshuffled lineup for the Six Nations meeting with Italy, following the opening defeat to France.

Andy Farrell On Ireland Team Selection

Farrell said the changes were designed to allow new players to prove themselves while responding to the performance in Paris. He explained the selection was influenced by both form and the need to raise intensity after conceding heavily in the first match.

"It's something that obviously excites us," Farrell told RTÉ Sport.

"The team that we've picked is the right one for this weekend for a number of reasons - last week's performance, trying to get people a chance to show what they've got and how the format of the Six Nations has changed".

Several fresh faces are included, with Ulster pair Cormac Izuchukwu and Robert Baloucoune given their chances, while James Lowe returns to the starting side. Farrell indicated the squad must show urgency from kickoff and not rely on late responses.

"Yeah, a few doors left open across the team and a few opportunities there to be taken. And people need to do that," he added.

"Very happy [with the week's training] because nobody was holding back so there's a lot of honesty there, there's no excuses.

"Again, you always think preparations are going to go right but until you get a smack in the face, certainly in Paris, you get to find out a bit about yourselves".