Fitzgerald starts at full back

Declan Kidney has installed Luke Fitzgerald at full back for Ireland's Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Declan Kidney has installed Luke Fitzgerald at full back and given Fergus McFadden his Ireland debut for their Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Saturday.

It was thought that Connacht’s Gavin Duffy would start at fullback against the Azzurri considering that he is the only specialist in the squad, however, Kidney has opted for the more attack-minded Fitzgerald in an exciting back three containing Munster flyer Keith Earls and young Leinster utility back McFadden who has been rewarded for his fine form for this his province in recent months.