Fresh faces can drive Ireland to Six Nations title, Mike Catt says

Head coach Farrell will throw an uncapped Leinster quartet into the fray against the Azzurri

Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt and kicking coach Richie Murphy. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Ireland are backing their quartet of debutants to kickstart the national team in its quest for the 2020 Guinness Six Nations against Italy in Dublin on Saturday.

To regain the title lost to England in 2019, Andy Farrell’s side need the maximum five match points from both their remaining games in the rescheduled championship, which was brought to halt by the Covid-19 pandemic in early March. They play winless Italy on Saturday and then face France in Paris seven days later.