Iain Henderson in line to replace Tadhg Beirne with backrow set for a reshuffle
It’s been quite the redemption story for the 27-year-old Leinster outhalf since his clutch penalty sealed the dramatic win over Australia last November. While Byrne has won 16 caps, this will only be his third Test start, the previous two both having come against England: at Twickenham in the 2019 World Cup warm-up game and in the Autumn Nations Cup in November 2020.
He and his assistants will also be mindful of the need to freshen things up with the six-day turnaround between the final two game away to Scotland and at home to England in mind. At this juncture 12 months ago, the Irish head coach made six changes in personnel and a couple of positional switches following the 30-24 loss in Paris for the 57-6 win at home to Italy a fortnight later in Dublin.
When all four of their frontline flankers have been fit, Farrell has shown a tendency to utilise Caelan Doris’s ability to play at both blindside and number eight by rotating Peter O’Mahony and Jack Conan. This is what the Irish coaches did between the same two games last season, when O’Mahony came in for Conan and Doris switched to number eight, and it could be that this will apply the other way around this week, with Conan recalled at eight and Doris switching to six.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gordon D’Arcy: Ross Byrne should be handed the reins in the 10 jersey against ItalySaturday’s game doesn’t operate in a vacuum, it has context for the Six Nations, the World Cup and the inner workings of the squad
Read more »
'It’s a huge honour' – James Ryan to captain Ireland against ItalyJames Ryan on captaincy, learning from Johnny Sexton and the importance of Ireland's Call.
Read more »
Italy v Ireland: Johnny Sexton ruled out of Rome game as he fails to shake off groin injuryJames Ryan to captain Ireland at the Stadio Olimpico with Ross Byrne set to start at outhalf
Read more »
John O'Shea joins Stephen Kenny's Ireland as assistant coachThe former Ireland and Manchester United player has been working with the Ireland U21s since 2020.
Read more »
Irish girl diagnosed with rare disorder after teacher noticed she was clumsyJolene O'Byrne opened up about her daughter Evelyn being the only known child in Ireland with the condition as they try to reach out to other families
Read more »
Gerry Thornley: Italy reaping benefits of academy system just as its structure is ripped upThis exciting Italian team is the product of a successful underage set-up that has been taken over by the two big clubs
Read more »