British and Irish Lions

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has recalled Leinster centre Gordon D'Arcy to the side for Sunday's Six Nations clash against Italy at the Stadio Flaminio.

D'Arcy - last year's player of the championship, and a strong contender for the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand - missed the November internationals through injury but has reclaimed his place in the line-up, and will resume his midfield partnership with skipper Brian O'Driscoll.

Girvan Dempsey makes way for D'Arcy - the Leinster full-back must settle for a place on the bench - while Leicester star Geordan Murphy takes the number
15 jersey with Shane Horgan reverting to the wing.

The second change to the team who defeated Argentina in the autumn sees Wasps openside Johnny O'Connor lose out to in-form Munster back row Denis Leamy, who will win his second cap on Sunday.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.