Ireland debutant Michael Lowry ‘a nightmare’ to play against, says Farrell

Andy Farrell think he would have found it “a nightmare” to play against Michael Lowry, whom Ireland’s head coach has selected to make his Test debut against Italy at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

The Ulster full-back is being rewarded for a string of electric performances at provincial level. Yet the fleet-footed 23-year-old, who stands at 5ft 7in, was written off by many earlier in his career because of his height.

Farrell, a dual-code international who won rugby league’s Man of Steel award twice and helped England reach World Cup finals in league and union, believes Lowry has turned a potential weakness into a strength.

“No, it’s never been a problem,” replied the 6ft 3in Farrell when asked about Lowry’s stature. “It’s actually a nightmare for somebody like me, if I was playing against him. I think his size is an added bonus for him. I think it makes him an absolute nightmare for people to handle.

“Since his first day at Ulster, he hasn’t grown has he since then? But he’s certainly got braver, more dynamic, more game-awareness, more game-sense. He’s able to play the game in many different ways. He’s explosive, hits a line, he’s brave, so we’re hoping he can be himself on Sunday.”

Lowry’s opportunity is one of six personnel changes made by Farrell – two of them enforced. Injuries to Ronan Kelleher and James Ryan have afforded their fellow Leinster players Dan Sheehan and Ryan Baird maiden Six Nations starts, while James Lowe, Robbie Henshaw and Peter O’Mahony, the stand-in captain, return.

The Irish are seeking to get their title challenge back on track after defeat to France last time out ended their grand slam dreams following an opening win over Wales.

Farrell, who has retained Joey Carbery at fly-half ahead of the