Six Nations - Same again for Ireland

Eurosport - Thu, 12 Feb 17:53:00 2009

Ireland have kept faith with the side that beat France last weekend for their clash with Italy in Rome on Sunday.

RUGBY Paul O'Connell and John Hayes, Ireland v France, Six Nations 2007 - 0

Coach Declan Kidney has chosen not to make any changes to the side that scored three tries in the impressive 30-21 defeat of France in Dublin, their first win over Les Bleus in eight attempts.

Hooker Jerry Flannery and flanker David Wallace have been passed fit after picking up knocks in that game.

Prop John Hayes (pictured right) will equal the Irish caps record of 91 held by squad member Malcolm O'Kelly, while Brian O'Driscoll leads his country out on what will be his 90th cap.

Paddy Wallace's place at outside centre alongside O'Driscoll was thought to be under threat from Gordon D'Arcy, but Kidney has kept faith with the Ulsterman who had to leave the field against France with a head injury.

Ireland's last trip to Rome in 2007 saw them triumph 51-24, but it was a bittersweet experience as they conceded a try on the stroke of full-time that effectively handed France the championship on points difference.

Ireland: 15-Rob Kearney, 14-Tommy Bowe, 13-Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12-Paddy Wallace, 11-Luke Fitzgerald, 10-Ronan O'Gara, 9-Tomas O'Leary; 1-Marcus Horan, 2-Jerry Flannery, 3-John Hayes, 4-Donncha O'Callaghan, 5-Paul O'Connell, 6-Stephen Ferris, 7-David Wallace, 8-Jamie Heaslip

Replacements: 16-Rory Best, 17-Tom Court, 18-Malcolm O'Kelly, 19-Denis Leamy, 20-Peter Stringer, 21-Gordon D'Arcy, 22-Geordan Murphy.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 5 of 5

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  1. Italy played well when they had a scrum half playing in­ the No 9 position during the second half of the game is­ all I can say is Ireland beware.

    From fordellman, on Fri 13 Feb 4:18AM

  2. Much as I would like to agree with Crisso and­ orange2tuf and hope the Greens go all the way- They­ have done this so many times and just get pipped at the­ post- I wouldnt count on anything until the final­ whistle of the final game! But if they handle the ball­ like they did last weekend there will be a good chance.­ Wales are the ones to beat again I think!

    From szbowman, on Thu 12 Feb 7:09PM

  3. Long way to go yet orange2tuf, love the optimism­ though. Still got Scotland to play yet and the best for­ last Wales.

    From Alfonce Cunninlingus, on Thu 12 Feb 4:38PM

  4. Com'on you greens!!! This must be the year Declan.

    From CHRISTOPHER, on Thu 12 Feb 4:59AM

  5. grand slam championship is going 2 ireland..

    From orange2tuf, on Wed 11 Feb 9:53PM
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