On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Cian Tracey discuss the Ireland team to face Italy.

Ross Byrne and Craig Casey will make their first Six Nations starts at half-back - are they ready to lead the team in the absence of Johnny Sexton?

Jack Conan gets the nod at number eight, and the lads are in agreement that he needs a big game to hold off Gavin Coombes in the matchday squad.

Bundee Aki also returns to the starting team after two big cameos off the bench but Cian thinks that Stuart McCloskey is still the main man at number 12.

Join the Left Wing on Saturday when Sinéad Kissane, Cian Tracey and Rúaidhrí O’Connor give their reaction and thoughts right after the final whistle from Rome.  

If you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to theleftwing@independent.ie, or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.

The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered.

From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.

The Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald has the best r…