Six Nations part 2.

Ireland’s 2020 Six Nations campaign resumes this month with Andy Farrell’s side having two games left to play as we look to crown a champion before the Autumn Nations Cup kicks off.

England, Scotland, Wales and France have just one game left to play but with Ireland’s clash with Italy the first game to be cancelled following the outbreak there, the men and green must fulfil two fixtures – Italy and France.

And the goods news for Irish fans is the fact that they are very much in the hunt for the title, four points behind leaders England with that game in hand of course to play.

So, what’s the plan in terms of selection? Obviously, a lot has changed since the men in green last took to a field and there will be changes to the side that was badly beaten by England at Twickenham.

First up let’s take a look at the team that started that defeat.

Ireland team vs England, February 23, 2020

15. Jordan Larmour
14. Andrew Conway
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Johnny Sexton (capt)
9. Conor Murray

1. Cian Healy
2. Rob Herring
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Devin Toner
5. James Ryan
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. CJ Stander

We don’t expect Farrell to tear that team sheet up but there will be some changes – some forced, some not. The likes of Iain Henderson and Garry Ringrose were unavailable for that game and will likely come back in, while form may see some players dropped.

Farrell could have a headache at halfback too with Munster’s Conor Murray currently out injured and captain Johnny Sexton forced off in win over Dragons at the weekend.

Here’s the team we reckon will start against Italy with the likes of Peter O’Mahony, Jacob Stockdale and Robbie Henshaw missing out in our selection.

Potential Ireland team vs Italy

15. Jordan Larmour
14. Andrew Conway
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Bundee Aki
11. Keith Earls [Jame Lowe slots in come November when eligible]
10. Johnny Sexton/Ross Byrne [if Sexton is injured]
9. Conor Murray/John Cooney [if Murray is injured]

1. Cian Healy
2. Ronan Kelleher
3. Andrew Porter [Tadhg Furlong if fit]
4. Iain Henderson
5. James Ryan
6. CJ Stander
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris

What do you think of our selection? Let us know in the comments on social.