06/02/2015

Ireland Name Team To Face Italy

Ireland have named the team to face Italy in their opening game of this year's Six Nations campaign.

The two sides will meet at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday (7 February).

Munster's Ian Keatley will start the game at fly-half, ahead of Ian Madigan, while Sean O'Brien starts at open-side flanker, with Jordi Murphy claiming the number eight shirt.

Elsewhere Ulster's Jared Payne starts at 13, with Robbie Henshaw completing the centre partnership. Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe and Simon Zebo complete the back line, with Conor Murray starting at scrum half.

Up front, Mike Ross has been named at tight-head, despite not playing for Leinster in recent times having lost his spot to Marty Moore.

Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of the game as he continues a recovery regime following a concussion, while Jamie Heaslip also misses out due to a shoulder injury. His Leinster teammate Cian Healy will also miss the game because of a hamstring injury.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm GMT.

(JP/IT)

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