Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan is set to name his starting 15 for Saturday's Six Nations opener against Italy today.
In-form Leinster forwards Bernard Jackman and Jamie Heaslip could be in line for places in the team.
After a disappointing World Cup campaign, Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll says he and his team-mates would love to win the championship, but are focused at the moment on securing a win over the Azzurri.