Key talking points as Ireland prepare to host Italy in the Six Nations

Ireland will bid to get their Guinness Six Nations title challenge back on track on Sunday afternoon when Italy visit Dublin.

Ireland suffered a 30-24 loss away to France in round two of the championship, while the Azzurri’s miserable form continued at home to England.

Here, we pick out some of the main talking points.

Captain Johnny Sexton finds himself in the unusual position of being on the bench this weekend. Having recovered from the hamstring issue which kept him sidelined at Stade de France, the 36-year-old was hoping for a recall. But rival fly-half Joey Carbery has been given another opportunity to impress. Sexton has only once appeared as a substitute in the green jersey during the past 10 years – coming on for Carbery in the opening Test of the 2018 tour of Australia. The Leinster veteran – who has designs on playing at next year’s World Cup – will hope being left out remains a rare occurrence with games against England and Scotland on the horizon.

One last look at the #GuinnessSixNations table before the numbers start moving!