Ireland travel to Rome to take on Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in the Six Nations this Saturday.
PREVIEW
Andy Farrell's side go into their third Six Nations encounter in high spirits following victories over Wales and France in their first two games to give them a shot at Grand Slam glory.
While Italy have been perennial wooden spoon winners, they recorded statement wins over the Welsh and Australia in 2022 before giving reigning Grand Slam champions France a major scare in a 29-24 defeat at the start of this year’s championship.
Farrell believes the Azzurri, whose only Six Nations success over the Irish came a decade ago, now have sufficient talent to supplement their passion and is braced for a tricky trip to Rome.
"We’ve full respect for Italy," he said ahead of this weekend's clash.
"Italy are obviously chasing that win at home and it’s a big scalp, so we know the emotion that they’ve always had, but the skill that they’ve put in with that now makes them a serious threat to us.
TEAM NEWS
There are six changes to the Ireland XV that faced France in round two with James Ryan captaining the side this weekend after Johnny Sexton was ruled out of the fixture due to injury. Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne replaces Sexton.
*Garry Ringrose (injury) has been replaced by Stuart McCloskey in the starting line-up.
Full squad below:
1.
ODDS