Fitzgerald starts at full back
Declan Kidney has installed Luke Fitzgerald at full back and given Fergus McFadden his Ireland debut for their Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Saturday.
It was thought that Connacht’s Gavin Duffy would start at fullback against the Azzurri considering that he is the only specialist in the squad, however, Kidney has opted for the more attack-minded Fitzgerald in an exciting back three containing Munster flyer Keith Earls and young Leinster utility back McFadden who has been rewarded for his fine form for this his province in recent months.
McFadden will be making his first appearance in the championship.
As expected, Brian O’Driscoll resumes his midfield partnership with Gordon D’Arcy while the Irish management have chosen Tomás O’Leary to start alongside Jonathan Sexton at half-back. O’Leary, who was not named in the initial Irish training squad, impressed for the Wolfhounds last weekend and his physicality has won him the nod ahead of Leinster scrum-half Eoin Reddan.
Mike Ross will also be making his first Six Nations championship start, it has been a memorable few months for the Ex-Harlequins prop who appeared to be fourth-choice tight-head in the Autumn behind Tony Buckley, John Hayes and Tom Court, but the Cork native’s solidity at scrum time and his improved workrate around the pitch has won him a call-up to the national set-up.
Ross will start alongside Ulster hooker Rory Best and Leinster team-mate Cian Healy in the front row.
Leo Cullen must make do with a place on the bench as Paul O’Connell and Donnca O’Callaghan renew their second row partnership while Sean O’Brien comes in for the injured Jamie Heaslip at number eight.
Munster veteran David Wallace starts at openside while Denis Leamy, in the absence of the injured Stephen Ferris, starts on the blindside flank.
In total there are nine changes to the side that ended the autumn with a record victory against Argentina.
McFadden is keen to make an impression on his debut.
“I feel my progress this season has been quite good,” he said.
“When I was moved to the wing at Leinster I felt I was doing a job. Declan’s backed me and I can’t wait to go on Saturday.
“I want to do the basics well and if I get a one on one I like to back myself. I’ll look to come off my wing.”
Ireland team to face Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at Stadio Flaminio, Rome on Saturday, February 5 (2.30pm kick-off):
L Fitzgerald (Leinster); F McFadden (Leinster), B O’Driscoll (Leinster, capt), G D’Arcy (Leinster), K Earls (Munster); J Sexton (Leinster), T O’Leary (Munster); C Healy (Leinster), R Best (Ulster), M Ross (Leinster), D O’Callaghan (Munster), P O’Connell (Munster), D Leamy (Munster), D Wallace (Munster), S O’Brien (Leinster).
Replacements: S Cronin (Connacht), T Court (Ulster), L Cullen (Leinster), S Jennings (Leinster), E Reddan (Leinster), R O’Gara (Munster), P Wallace (Ulster).
