 O'Gara is back to fitness |
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has gone for a tried and trusted formula with no major shocks in his 25-man squad for the RBS Six Nations opener in Italy. Munster's Ronan O'Gara is fit again after breaking a bone in his hand three weeks ago.
The only real surprise is that Ulster's in-form scrum-half Kieran Campbell failed to dislodge Guy Easterby.
O'Sullivan has named a very experienced forward panel which has over 400 caps between them.
Included is Lions and Leinster lock Malcolm O'Kelly who, if he starts against the Italians, will equal Mike Gibson's Irish record of 69 caps.
The least experienced are flankers Johnny O'Connor and Denis Leamy, both of whom made their debuts during the autumn internationals.
O'Sullivan's toughest task will be selecting his three-quarter line with Girvan Dempsey, Geordan Murphy and Shane Horgan going for two berths at full-back and right wing.
 |  No matter what you do, other people will think you're wrong |
''It will be tough to leave one of the guys out,'' he said. ''I have a pretty close idea of who I want to be in the backline but I won't be making any final decisions until I'm sure everyone is ready to go. ''It's the most difficult part of the job telling a player he's no longer in the team.
''It's horrendous leaving someone out, especially if they haven't done anything wrong.
''It's important to handle the situation properly. You have to be up-front, direct with people and tell them why you're doing it.
''You make these calls on what you believe is right and no matter what you do, other people will think you're wrong.''
Ireland were runners-up in the Six Nations last season after lifting the Triple Crown for the first time in 19 years.
O'Sullivan's team were the only side from the home nations to chalk up a clean sweep during November tests after victories over South Africa, USA and Argentina.
The team to face Italy in Rome will be announced next Wednesday in Dublin.
Ireland squad:
Forwards: S Byrne (Leinster), R Corrigan (Leinster), S Easterby (Llanelli), A Foley (Munster), J Hayes (Munster), M Horan (Munster), D Leamy (Munster), E Miller (Leinster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), J O'Connor (Wasps), M O'Kelly (Leinster), F Sheahan (Munster), A Quinlan (Munster).
Backs: G D'Arcy (Leinster), G Dempsey (Leinster), G Easterby (Leinster), D Hickie (Leinster), S Horgan (Leinster), D Humphreys (Ulster), K Maggs (Ulster), G Murphy (Leicester), B O'Driscoll, (Leinster), R O'Gara (Munster), P Stringer (Munster).
Not considered because of injury: K Gleeson (Leinster), N McMillan (Ulster).
MMIX
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