Kidney gives McLaughlin starting berth for Six Nations kick off

Leinster back row Kevin McLaughlin will earn his first International cap when he lines out at blindside flanker as Ireland open the defence of their Six Nations crown against Italy on Saturday.

The 25 year old has got the nod from head coach Declan Kidney to replace Stephen Ferris, who suffered a knee injury in his provinces win over Bath. The move reinforces Kidney's policy of calculated risk as a means of continuously rejuvenating a squad which appeared to grow stale in the previous regime.

McLaughlin's provincial team-mate, Cian Healy will join him in the pack to earn only his second cap amongst established scrummagers Jerry Flannery, Donncha O'Callaghan and Paul O'Connell.

Behind the scrum, Ronan O'Gara will make his 94^th international appearance, partnering Tomas O'Leary at half back with Jonathon Sexton ruled out after suffering a dead leg in training.

Paddy Wallace who started Irelands 'A' defeat to England Saxons will have to settle for a place on the bench as Gordon D'Arcy will partner captain, Brian O'Driscoll in the centre.

Also relegated to bench is utility back, Keith Earls, whose omission allow's a recall to the wing for Andrew Trimble, almost two years after his last test start.

Ireland XV to face Italy:

15 - Rob Kearney , 14 - Tommy Bowe, 13 - Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12 - Gordon D'Arcy, 11 - Andrew Trimble, 10 - Ronan O'Gara, 9 - Tomas O'Leary, 1 - Cian Healy, 2 - Jerry Flannery, 3 - John Hayes, 4 - Donncha O'Callaghan, 5 - Paul O'Connell, 6 - Kevin McLaughlin, 7 - David Wallace, 8 - Jamie Heaslip

Replacements:
16 - Rory Best, 17 - Tom Court, 18 - Leo Cullen, 19 - Sean O'Brien, 20 - Eoin Reddan, 21 - Paddy Wallace, 22 - Keith Earls