Joe Schmidt has named Munster out-half Ian Keatley at No 10 for Ireland's opening Six Nations match against Italy.

Until this morning, Leinster's Ian Madigan had been favourite to start in Rome on Saturday due to Jonathan Sexton's injury-enforced absence, but Keatley's inclusion is one of the big talking points.

Sean O'Brien and Conor Murray have been deemed fit enough to start at flanker and scrum half respectively.

Schmidt explained that the understanding between Keatley and Murray as a provincial half-back pairing influenced his decision:

However, Leinster captain Jamie Heaslip does not make the team and is replaced at No 8 by fellow Leinster back-row Jordi Murphy.

Ulster's Jared Payne will partner Connacht's Robbie Henshaw, taking the outside centre role.

Sean Cronin, James Cronin, Martin Moore, Iain Henderson, Tommy O'Donnell, Isaac Boss, Madigan and Felix Jones are among the replacements.

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