Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made six changes to his starting lineup for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Italy following the 36-14 defeat to France. Ulster duo Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu will make their Six Nations debuts, with Baloucoune returning to international rugby for the first time since November 2022.

Uncapped Munster lock Edwin Edogbo, 23, is set to make his international debut from the bench, while scrum-half Craig Casey comes in for Jamison Gibson-Park to partner Sam Prendergast at fly-half. Jack Conan returns to the back row, prompting captain Caelan Doris to shift to openside flanker. James Lowe is restored on the left wing and James Ryan replaces Tadhg Beirne in the second row.

Farrell's wholesale changes suggest he's to next weekend's Twickenham showdown with England, but he insists the team must reach a consistently high standard against Italy. With a packed home crowd expected at the Aviva Stadium, Ireland will aim to bounce back from their opening-round defeat and build momentum into the rest of the tournament.