Ireland v Italy in the Six Nations: Kick-off time, TV details and team news

Has that Marseille performance brought about inflated expectations of back-to-back Grand Slams? You betcha. 

ONTO THE NEXT: Ireland's Robbie Henshaw and Jack Crowley. Pic: Dan Sheridan, Inpho.

Well, well, well. Here we are the week after Ireland's destruction of a lacklustre French side in Marseille. 

Has that Stade Velodrome performance brought about inflated expectations of back-to-back Grand Slams? You betcha. 

Italy are the visitors this weekend, having pushed England all the way in the opening round. The above-mentioned notion will mean Andy Farrell and Ireland will be expected to beat an improving Italian outfit, and do so with some comfort. 

If you've listened to Farrell, or indeed any of his fellow coaches or his playing staff in the past, it is simply step two of five across the championship. See Simon Lewis' piece, The Farrell way: Acknowledge the work done and move on to the next for reference. 

Here's all you need to know ahead of the clash. 

Where is the game being played?

Ireland make their Aviva Stadium return for the second-round tie.

What time is kick-off?

The fixture will kick off at 3pm on Sunday, February 11th.

Where to watch?

Virgin Media will provide TV coverage from 2pm. The alternative option, and a recommended one at that, is to join Andrew Horgan from around the same time on the Irish Examiner Sport Six Nations live blog.

Who is the referee?

French official Pierre Brousset was scheduled to take command of the Sunday afternoon encounter, but a calf injury has ruled him out. English referee Luke Pearce has been handed the duties in Brousset's absence. 

Team news?

Ireland (v Italy): H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, S McCloskey, J Lowe; J Crowley, C Casey; A Porter, D Sheehan, F Bealham; J McCarthy, J Ryan; R Baird, C Doris, J Conan.

Replacements: R Kelleher, J Loughman, T O’Toole, I Henderson, J van der Flier, J Gibson-Park, J Larmour.