Jack Crowley to start at fly-half as Ireland reshuffle squad

Ireland has made several changes to their starting lineup for the upcoming Six Nations match against Italy in Rome.

Crowley takes over at fly-half, stepping into the playmaking role as Ireland look to finish the tournament on a strong note. His selection brings a new dimension to the attack, with the coaching staff eager to see how he manages the game from the start.

Partnering him at half-back is Craig Casey, who replaces Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half in a move that suggests Ireland is looking for a quicker tempo in their attacking play.

In the forward pack, Joe McCarthy is named in the second row, bringing added power and physicality to the Irish engine room. He joins Tadhg Beirne in the starting lock partnership, with the duo expected to play a key role in the lineout and breakdown battles.

Cian Prendergast has been called into the back row at blindside flanker, offering an energetic presence alongside Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris.

Dan Sheehan returns to the starting XV at hooker, reinforcing Ireland’s front row with his ball-carrying ability and accuracy at the set-piece. His presence adds stability in the scrum and ensures a strong connection with the lineout jumpers.

In the backline, Calvin Nash is brought in on the wing, adding pace and finishing ability to Ireland’s attacking structure. His return to the starting lineup provides a different dynamic as the team looks to exploit space out wide.

Ireland XV: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Jack Conan, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter

Reserves: 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