Sports

Farrell Rings The Changes As Ireland Look To Respond Against Italy

Published

5 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Nikita

Source: Ireland Rugby on X {https://x.com/IrishRugby/status/2021250271431532627/photo/3}

There are defeats that sting. Then there are defeats that demand action.

After being overpowered by France in their Six Nations opener, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has wasted no time reshaping his side for Saturday’s clash against Italy at Aviva Stadium. Six changes to the starting XV tell their own story. This is not panic, but it is a response.

Ireland know the championship does not wait for anyone. In a tournament as unforgiving as the Six Nations Championship, momentum can slip away quickly.

Big Names Miss Out As Pack Gets A Shake-Up

Perhaps the most eye-catching omission is Josh van der Flier, who drops out of the matchday 23 entirely. Tadhg Beirne, another experienced figure, shifts to the bench.

In their place, Farrell has opted for fresh combinations. James Ryan returns to partner Joe McCarthy at lock, while Cormac Izuchukwu is handed an opportunity in the back row. Captain Caelan Doris moves to openside flank, with Jack Conan promoted to start at number eight after an energetic showing off the bench in Paris.

The only unit untouched is the front row. Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson retain their places, offering some continuity in a week otherwise defined by change.

For South African readers, the approach feels familiar. After a heavy defeat, bold selection calls are often the clearest message a coach can send. It is about accountability, but also about belief in squad depth.

Backline Tweaks And A Fresh Half-Back Pairing

Behind the scrum, James Lowe returns on the wing, replacing Jacob Stockdale. Robert Baloucoune is given an opportunity on the opposite flank, while Jamie Osborne continues in the back three.

The final adjustment comes at scrumhalf. Craig Casey gets the nod ahead of Jamison Gibson-Park, forming a half-back partnership with Sam Prendergast, who retains the number 10 jersey despite struggling in the opening round.

Farrell’s message is clear. Ireland are backing youth and energy to lift their tempo against an Italian side that has become far more competitive in recent seasons.

A Special Moment For Edogbo

One of the most heartening stories of the week is the inclusion of Edwin Edogbo on the bench. The young lock is in line to make his senior debut, a milestone that Farrell was quick to highlight.

Edogbo’s journey through club rugby with Cobh Pirates and UCC before breaking through at Munster underlines Ireland’s strong domestic pipeline. Farrell spoke of making it a special day for the youngster and his family, a reminder that even in the high stakes of championship rugby, personal milestones still matter.

Ireland have once again opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, stacking the forward replacements with Tadhg Furlong returning to the 23 alongside Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Beirne and Nick Timoney. Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley provide cover in the backs.

Edwin on debut. 👊 pic.twitter.com/jtLWO3VnqK

Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 12, 2026

No Room For Complacency

Farrell described the match as a great opportunity in front of a packed home crowd. He acknowledged recent tight contests against Italy and stressed the need for a consistently high standard.

That may be the most telling line of all.

Ireland’s championship ambitions hinge not just on talent, but on response. Saturday in Dublin is less about retribution and more about recalibration. The changes suggest urgency, but also faith in the broader squad.

In a tournament where margins are razor thin, Ireland are betting that fresh energy and sharper execution will be enough to steady their campaign before it slips too far off course