Easterby defends inclusion in Ireland team

Ireland flanker Simon Easterby has defended his inclusion in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy by claiming his form warrants selection.

Easterby's place is under threat from Leinster number eight Jamie Heaslip, but coach Eddie O'Sullivan on Tuesday opted to retain the Llanelli skipper for the Croke Park opener.

Along with the vast majority of Ireland's squad, Easterby struggled during the World Cup with an impressive display against France his lone success.

Little comfort has been drawn from his return to provincial duty either, thanks to a troubled Heineken Cup campaign that finished pointless.

The 32-year-old remains a prominent figure in O'Sullivan's plans however, and the Ireland coach is hoping his loyalty will be rewarded during the Six Nations.

"Eddie has dropped me before and I have come back," said Easterby.

"I am not afraid of being dropped because at my age I go out to enjoy it as if it were my last game.

"You can never count on anything going on forever. I'm happy with my form at the moment.

"At Llanelli we have suffered from injuries a little bit and the form of several individually hasn't been great."

If Easterby fails to shine early in the Six Nations, O'Sullivan may find it impossible to persevere with his back row stalwart.

Impressive 24-year-old Heaslip has been championed as a Test star in waiting and would slot in at number eight, with Denis Leamy moving across to take Easterby's place on the blindside.

Leamy, another Irishman who endured a tortuous World Cup, has been rampant since taking over at number six for Munster and many feel it is his better position.

The 26-year-old is content with the balance of Ireland's loose trio, however.

"I'm happy with the back row. We've played together a lot and know each other's games so well," he said.

"I'm delighted to be working with the two boys again. Jamie gives us an option off the bench - he can come on as an impact player and do well."

The continued discussion of Ireland's appalling World Cup has been driving O'Sullivan to distraction and the 49-year-old admitted the fallout is casting a shadow over preparations for the Six Nations.

An emphatic victory over Nick Mallett's Italy would finally allow the Irish to begin the healing process and for Leamy, Saturday will not arrive a moment too soon.

"Win or lose, you can't dwell on the past," he said.

"Whatever happens you look forward because there's always a new competition or new game in front of you.

"What happened in France wasn't what we planned. It was disappointing and we have a lot to sort out.

"But we need to stop talking about the World Cup and concentrate on the Six Nations."

Mallett, the new Italy coach, has stressed the need to add variation to his side's forward-orientated game, but Leamy believes it will be business as usual from the Azzurri.

"Italy's strength lies in their pack. They have big, strong guys who have a lot of know-how too," he said.

"They have a lot in common with South Africa in that respect."