O'Gara returns for Ireland in Six Nations
O'Gara returns for Ireland in Six Nations
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Tuesday, 02, Feb 2010 04:28
By Richard James.
Fly-half Ronan O'Gara has been named in the starting line-up for Ireland's opening game of the Six Nations against Italy.
The Munster player had to watch from the sidelines when Ireland overcame the world champions South Africa at the end of last year, with Jonathan Sexton replacing him at number 10.
However, Sexton had been ruled out of Saturday's game at Croke Park due to a dead leg.
Flanker Kevin McLaughlin will win his first Irish cap at the weekend after being called up to replace the injured Stephen Ferris.
Coach Declan Kidney also opted to partner Gordon D'Arcy with Brian O'Driscoll at centre, with Andrew Trimble starting on the wing.
Commenting on his international debut, 25-year-old McLaughlin said: "I wouldn't say I'm shocked. I felt like I had a chance coming into this week."
The Leinster player added: "Obviously, it's a big step up for me this weekend but I'm going to treat it like any other game and just get on with it and play my game on Saturday."
Ireland team to play Italy on Saturday February 6th:
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.
Subs: R Best, T Court, L Cullen, S O'Brien, E Reddan, P Wallace, K Earls.