Sean O Brien to start against Italy in 6 Nations opener

Tullows Sean O Brien starts for the Ireland against Italy this Saturday despite concerns about his fitness having just returned from injury.

He starts at openside flanker.

As expected Ian Keatley has been given the nod to start at out half with Conor Murray at scrum half.

Robbie Henshaw will play inside centre with Jared Payne at 13 while Jordi Murphy will be number 8 in the absence of the injured Jamie Heaslip.

Issac Boss and not Eoin Reddan will be on the bench.

Coach Joe Schmidt says he doesnt expect Sean O Brien to last the 80 minutes but says he’ll bring a lot to the game…..