IT'S SIX OF THE REST

Easterby not afraid of change as he decides on half-a-dozen switches after France caning

- DEREK FOLEY

SIMON EASTERBY has made SIX changes to the Ireland team that came up so short against France.

The eye-catching switch in the half-dozen is bringing Jack Crowley in at out-half in place of Sam Prendergast.

But elsewhere it isn't as drastic as sounds as two wingers return from injury, a centre returns from suspension and a careless yellow card recipient is dropped.

Widemen Mack Hansen and James Lowe as well as Garry Ringrose gain inclusion with Joe McCarthy dropping out.

In what is something of a surprise, Jack Conan is in for Peter O'Mahony at No.6, potentially down to a focus on attack against Italy rather than defence.

Crowley gets to wear the No.10 shirt again, the one in which he guided Ireland to last season's Six Nations championship win.