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Ireland rugby coach limits changes

  • Story Highlights
  • Ireland rugby coach Eddie O'Sullivan makes four enforced changes to his side
  • Italy are the visitors for their Six Nations opener at Croke Park this weekend
  • Ireland will be looking to bounce back to form after flopping at the World Cup
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DUBLIN, Ireland -- Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan remained loyal to his World Cup flops on Tuesday when he named his team for the Six Nations opener against Italy at Croke Park on Saturday.

O'Sullivan has kept faith with the majority of the Ireland side that flopped at last year's World Cup finals.

O'Sullivan made just four enforced changes from the side that lost 30-15 to Argentina in the final pool game of September's World Cup that killed off any hopes of the Irish progressing to the knock-out phase of the competition.

In the forwards, Rory Best comes in at hooker for the suspended Jerry Flannery, while Malcolm O'Kelly and Donncha O'Callaghan pair up in the second row with Paul O'Connoll out injured.

The backline sees Andrew Trimble and Geordan Murphy starting on the wings in the absence of Dennis Hickie (retired) and Shane Horgan, who plays for the 'A' team this weekend on his road back from injury.

Eoin Reddan wins the battle for the number nine shirt with Peter Stringer, with Ronan O'Gara starting at outside-half.

Captain Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy play in midfield with Girvan Dempsey at full-back.

Up front, the Irish pack includes veteran Simon Easterby at blindside flanker alongside Denis Leamy and David Wallace, while John Hayes and Marcus Horan prop up Best.

Team:

Girvan Dempsey, Andrew Trimble, Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll (capt), Geordan Murphy, Ronan O'Gara, Eoin Reddan, Denis Leamy, David Wallace, Simon Easterby, Malcolm O'Kelly, Donncha O'Callaghan, John Hayes, Rory Best, Marcus Horan

Replacements: Bernard Jackman, Tony Buckley, Mick O'Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip, Peter Stringer, Paddy Wallace, Rob Kearney E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

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