The 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.

The Irish 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, the PA news agency picks 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.

Ireland’s Grand Slam dreams evaporated following a pulsating Paris defeat a fortnight ago. But Andy Farrell’s side do not have too much reason to feel dispirited. They responded strongly to a sloppy start against Fabien Galthie’s formidable French and very nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback. While that narrow loss – which ended a nine-match winning run – may have left them playing catch-up in the tournament, belief remains high in the camp and championship success is far from out of the question. Ireland will be expected to win – and win well – against opposition whose sole success on Irish soil came 25 years ago to give fresh impetus to their title push.

Fleet-footed full-back Michael Lowry has consistently excelled for Ulster, thrilling