Ireland make six changes for Italy match

Ireland have made several changes to their lineup for the Six Nations match against Italy, with experienced winger James Lowe returning after missing the opening defeat to France.

Ireland Team Changes Vs Italy

Head coach Andy Farrell has introduced six alterations to the starting XV following the 36-14 loss in Paris.

Lowe returns to the wing and is joined by Robert Baloucoune, who earns a Six Nations debut. Tommy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale drop out of the matchday squad.

At scrum-half, Craig Casey replaces Jamison Gibson-Park, partnering fly-half Sam Prendergast, who retains his place. Jack Crowley is named among the replacements. In the pack, Jack Conan and James Ryan come into the starting lineup, while Cormac Izuchukwu makes his championship debut at flanker.

Josh van der Flier is not included in the matchday 23, with Nick Timoney selected as back-row cover after scoring off the bench in the previous match. Several injuries have influenced selection, though tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong returns from a calf issue and is named among the replacements.

Ireland XV: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 James Lowe, 10, Sam Prendergast, 9 Craig Casey; 1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan, 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 7 Caelan Doris (captain), 8 Jack Conan

Reserves: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Tom O'Toole, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Tadhg Beirne, 21 Nick Timoney, 22 Jamison Gibson-Park, 23 Jack Crowley.