ROG Is Back For The Grand Slammers For Six Nations Opener

Ireland’s record points scorer Ronan O’Gara is back at fly-half for the opening match of the RBS Six Nations against Italy on Saturday.Jonathan Sexton, who starred at number 10 in the November win over world champions South Africa, was ruled out because of a dead leg injury. Leinster flanker Kevin McLaughlin is the only new cap, replacing injured Ulster star Stephen Ferris.Andrew Trimble wins a place in the wing and Gordon D’Arcy is in at centre with Brian O’Driscoll. Wallace is on the bench as cover for centre and fly-half, so Sexton, whose five penalties helped the Irish humble the Springboks in the autumn, is axed from the 22 altogether. Ulster hooker Rory Best’s inclusion as a replacement completes a remarkably quick comeback from neck surgery.Best, who had not been expected to play rugby this season, was in the Ireland A side which lost to the England Saxons last Sunday.
Without the injured Ferris, a key performer in last year’s first Grand Slam since 1948, Kidney went for 24-year-old McLaughlin ahead of fellow in-form Leinster back row Sean O’Brien.
Ferris sustained a knee injury while on Heineken Cup duty for Ulster against Bath 10 days ago and has not been risked with the crucial showdown against France looming on Saturday week.”I would not say I am shocked. I felt like I had a chance coming into this week,” said McLaughlin.”It is a big step up for me this weekend but I will treat it like any other game, just get on with it and play my game on Saturday.”

Ireland: R Kearney, T Bowe, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, A Trimble, R O’Gara, T O’Leary; C Healy, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O’Callaghan, P’Connell, K McLaughlin, D Wallace, J Heaslip.
Replacements: R Best, T Court, L Cullen, S O’Brien, E Reddan, P Wallace, K Earls.

Bob "The Voice" McKenzie Twitter: @BobTheVoice About: