Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has made just a single change for Saturday’s clash with Italy at the Aviva Stadium, with Iain Henderson replacing Peter O’Mahony.
O’Mahony misses out after suffering a hamstring injury during the 13-10 defeat to England a fortnight ago, so Henderson comes into the blindside flanker position to make just his second international start.
Jonathan Sexton’s thumb injury is not serious enough to keep him out of action so Paddy Jackson remains on the bench, with Rhys Ruddock also called up as a replacement alongside Jordi Murphy.
Brian O’Driscoll 140th Test appearance will be his last for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, and he will also break the record set by George Gregan.
Ireland (v Italy): R Kearney, A Trimble, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, D Kearney; J Sexton, C Murray: C Healy, R Best, M Ross; D Toner, P O’Connell (Capt.), I Henderson, C Henry, J Heaslip.
Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, M Moore, R Ruddock, J Murphy, E Reddan, P Jackson, F McFadden.
