Six Nations: Farrell wields axe as Ireland seek desperate redemption

Andy Farrell has responded to Ireland’s opening weekend humiliation by making six changes for the visit of Italy, handing Six Nations debuts to Ulster pair Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu.

The head coach is demanding an immediate reaction from his squad at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday.

Following a chastening defeat by France, the management has reshuffled the deck significantly to reignite their championship campaign.

Fresh faces and tactical shifts

Baloucoune steps onto the right wing for his first taste of championship action.

His provincial team-mate Izuchukwu earns his maiden cap at blindside flanker.

Experience also returns to the backline, with James Lowe restored to the left wing.

Craig Casey is preferred to Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half as Farrell seeks a sharper tempo.

In the pack, James Ryan replaces Tadhg Beirne in the second row.

Jack Conan’s inclusion at number eight forces captain Caelan Doris to shift across to the openside flank.

Azzurri arrive with momentum

While the hosts lick their wounds, Italy travel to Dublin brimming with confidence.

Gonzalo Quesada’s side secured a shock victory over Scotland in round one.

However, the visitors are without centre Juan Ignacio Brex due to family reasons.

The head coach has reshuffled his backline but otherwise keeps faith in the XV that stunned the Scots.

Despite a 13-year wait for a win over the Men in Green, the Azzurri will believe an upset is possible against a shaken Irish side.

Broadcast details

Coverage begins on ITV1 and STV at 13:00 GMT on Saturday, 7 February.

Kick-off is scheduled for 14:10 GMT.

Viewers can also stream the match live via ITVX.