Italy unlikely to pose a threat

Under-21s Italy v Ireland:This is Ireland's first outing at this level since reaching the under-21 World Cup final where they were beaten by New Zealand last summer. There are just two survivors from the starting XV that day in outhalf Gareth Steenson and left wing Paul McKenzie; Steenson will captain Ireland this season.

Tommy Bowe, who made his full Irish debut against the USA in the November international series, did play in the earlier games in that World Cup but suffered a shoulder injury at the pool stages and missed out on the knock-out phase of the tournament.

Garryowen number eight Anthony Kavanagh was a member of last season's World Cup squad and is a player of great promise.

Belfast Harlequins make a huge contribution to the national underage side this season, especially behind the scrum where they are represented by Mark Kettyle, Bowe and McKenzie, while up front, tighthead prop John Andress and second row Lewis Stevenson also join from the Belfast club.

Buccaneers are also well represented in the match 22, with Michael Diffley at loosehead prop and Eamonn Bracken and Trevor Richardson on the bench.

Leinster have just a single representative in UCD scrumhalf Cillian Willis, a cousin of Ireland's senior captain Brian O'Driscoll, highlighting their struggle at domestic level in the interprovincial series over the past few seasons.

There is plenty of ability in the three-quarter line with Tom Gleeson and Andrew Trimble forming a midfield combination of huge talent. Steenson is an excellent place-kicker as he proved both in the Six Nations and the World Cup.

The question mark for Ireland coach Mark McDermott lies in whether they can compete up front and provide the platform for the backs.

Brian Walsh, who takes over from Pat Murray, joins McDermott in the coaching team. Italy shouldn't pose too many problems for this young Irish team, which will be looking to start the campaign with a convincing win.

IRELAND U-21: M Kettyle (Belfast Harlequins); T Bowe (Belfast Harlequins), T Gleeson (UCC), A Trimble (Ballymena), P McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins); G Steenson (Dungannon, capt), C Willis (UCD); M Diffley (Buccaneers), J Merrigan (Corinthians), J Andress (Belfast Harlequins); L Stevenson (Belfast Harlequins), M Melbourne (Garryowen); B McNamee (Northampton), A Kavanagh (Garryowen), S Ferris (Dungannon). Replacements: S Philpott (Saracens), E Bracken (Buccaneers), T Richardson (Buccaneers), C Henry (Malone), D O'Leary (UCC), B Keeshan (Cork Constitution), K Geraghty (London Irish).