‘This is the right time’: Farrell puts faith in much-changed Ireland team to see off Italy

If nothing else, that chastening 36-14 opening-night defeat to France and now Andy Farrell’s much-changed team selection at least makes Saturday’s Six Nations game against Italy at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 2.20pm) more interesting. In making another six changes in the starting XV and handing an Ireland debut to Edwin Edogbo off the bench, there are a couple of themes. This is a selection notable for its welcome diversity while also providing opportunities, if once again or belatedly, in the case of others. Hence, this will be a landmark game for some, perhaps even career defining. While the restored James Lowe, James Ryan and Jack Conan will all, of course, be determined to prove a point,...