Ireland v Italy match kicks off

The 2006 RBS Six Nations match between Ireland and Italy has kicked off in Lansdowne Road.

The pressure is off Eddie O’Sullivan’s side this year after a disappointing Six Nations last year and a poor showing in the autumn series.

However, recent performances from Munster and Leinster in the Heineken Cup have raised hopes.

Once again, Munster provide most of the pack and the two half-backs, with Jerry Flannery in for his first full start and David Wallace earning his 23rd cap.

Leinster provide the devastating O’Driscoll-D’Arcy midfield pairing, with Shane Horgan on the right wing, Ulster’s Tommy Bowe on the left and Geordan Murphy at full back.

It’s the Azzuri’s first championship game under former French captain and coach Philippe Berbizer. He has introduced a tighter defence and what captain Maro Bortolami described as a more French style of play.

Ireland need a win and a good performance today ahead of a daunting trip to Paris next weekend.