No Change to Ireland XV

Declan Kidney makes no changes to the side that defeated France 30-21 in Croke Park last Saturday, as Ireland continue their preparations for the next 6 Nations tie against Italy.

Jerry Flannery was cleared fit to play after receiving a knock in last Saturday’s game against France, and holds on to the starting hooker position ahead of Rory Best. 

Tomás O’Leary continues his first 6 Nations Championship in the number 9 jersey as he joins fellow Munster man Ronan O’Gara in the half back pairing.

The team continue their training in Dublin this afternoon and tomorrow, and depart for Rome on Friday afternoon where they will take on Italy on Sunday the 15th Feb. in Stadio Flaminio at 3.30pm (2.30pm Irish time).

Ireland Team v Italy
15 – Robert Kearney (UCD – Leinster)
14 – Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 – Brian O’Driscoll (UCD – Leinster) Captain
12 – Paddy Wallace (Ballymena – Ulster)
11 – Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College – Leinster)
10 – Ronan O’Gara (Cork Constitution – Munster)
9 – Tomas O’Leary (Dolphin – Munster)

1 – Marcus Horan (Shannon – Munster)
2 – Jerry Flannery (Shannon – Munster)
3 – John Hayes (Bruff- Munster)
4 – Donncha O’Callaghan (Cork Constitution – Munster)
5 – Paul O’Connell (Young Munster – Munster)
6 – Stephen Ferris (Dungannon – Ulster)
7 – David Wallace (Garryowen – Munster)
8 – Jamie Heaslip (Naas – Leinster)

Replacements:
16 – Rory Best (Banbridge – Ulster)
17 – Tom Court (Malone – Ulster)*
18 – Malcolm O’Kelly (St.Mary’s College – Leinster)
19 – Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution – Munster)
20 – Peter Stringer (Shannon – Munster)
21 – Gordon D’Arcy (Lansdowne – Leinster)
22 – Geordan Murphy (Leicester)