Paolo Garbisi, package in the first two matches of the Six Nations Tournament, will return to the opening with the XV of Italy against Ireland, Saturday in Rome during the 3rd day, according to the team announced Thursday.
The Montpellier opener (22 years old, 21 caps), injured in a knee at the beginning of January, returned to the field last weekend by entering the second half during the Top 14 match lost against Lyon (31-21).
Garbisi will be associated with Stephen Varney (21 years old, 18 caps) while Tommaso Allan (29 years old, 68 caps), who had replaced the Montpellier player at the opening during the two initial meetings, will start on the bench.
Two other returns in the XV
Italy will come with two more changes to their starting XV from the side beaten by England (31-14) at Twickenham on February 12, with the return to the wing of Pierre Bruno (26, 9 caps) and on the front line of Simone Ferrari (28 years old, 42 caps), who both started in the first match against France (29-24 defeat).
Italy are fifth and penultimate in the Tournament after their first setbacks before hosting Ireland at the top of the standings after their victory over France (32-19).
«It will be a difficult match against the world N.1 team“Admitted coach Kieran Crowley, while ensuring that”each match has a different story: we will face Ireland with the objective of improving in certain areas to be more competitive».