James Lowe excited by prospect of inexperienced Ireland back three

James Lowe hopes Ireland's new-look back three can light up Dublin after being recalled for Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Italy.

Leinster wing Lowe returns to Andy Farrell’s starting XV as part of six personnel changes, having missed the opening two rounds of the championship due to a hamstring injury.

His inclusion on the left flank sees Mack Hansen switch to the right to make a third successive start, while uncapped full-back Michael Lowry is handed a Test debut in place of the rested Hugo Keenan.

With just nine caps, New Zealand-born Lowe is the senior international among the trio and determined to play his part in putting on a show.

"We’re a lot more exciting than Hugo Keenan anyway," he joked, when asked about the rejigged backline.

"I’ve watched Lowry from afar and had to defend against him, he creates something out of nothing and he’s been doing it at training.

"His skillset is very good. It’s something I probably didn’t appreciate until I was outside (training). He’s rapid. He’s quick. All of a sudden he can turn it on.

"And Mack has been X-factor since he arrived. No one questioned his ability to finish and that’s what he’s done for these last two games.

"We’ve trained very, very well this week, we’re looking forward to it.

"We’ve sat down, talked things through, ironed things out. We’re looking forward to the challenge that Italy presents and hopefully some running rugby.

"I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in a new-look back three and I’m excited."

Ireland are bidding to return to winning ways after a 29-7 win over reigning champions Wales was followed by a gripping 30-24 loss in France.

While fellow Leinster player Keenan will not be involved this weekend – ending a run of 18 consecutive Test starts – he has