Early days but Andy Farrell's rookies find their voice on opening audition

One game against a callow Italy can only tell so much, but the initial signs were promising on Saturday

NEW GENERATION: Ireland debutants, from left, Will Connors, Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park, and Ed Byrne strike a pose after Saturday’s Six Nations win over Italy at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Pitching one player into Test rugby's raging waters is never not a gamble of sorts. Talent and prior performances further down the professional pyramid, while enough to earn the opportunity, aren't guarantees someone will swim rather than sink.

Chuck a batch of newbies in at the one time and the known unknowns only multiply.