Cormac Izuchukwu and Robert Baloucoune start as Ireland make six changes for Italy clash

Michael Bolton

Ulster duo Cormac Izuchukwu and Robert Baloucoune have been named to start for Ireland against Italy as Andy Farrell makes six changes.

Izuchukwu comes into the back row for Cian Prendergast, while Baloucoune comes in for Tommy O'Brien on the wing.

Both players have been rewarded for their form with Ulster, as Ireland look to get back on track in the Six Nations following their opening round defeat to France.

Elsewhere in the team, Craig Casey comes in for Jamison Gibson-Park, while Sam Prendergast keeps his place at fly-half ahead of Jack Crowley and Harry Byrne.

James Lowe is back on the left wing ahead of Jacob Stockdale, while Edwin Edogbo is in line for his debut as he was named among the replacements.

Caelan Doris has been moved to flanker, while Jack Conan starts at number eight.

Ireland team to face Italy: Jamie Osborne; Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Cormac Izuchukwu, Caelan Doris (capt), Jack Conan.

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Tadhg Furlong, Edwin Edogbo, Tadhg Beirne, Nick Timoney, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jack Crowley.