Dublin, Feb 25 (AFP/APP): Johnny Sexton returns to lead a much-changed Ireland side in Saturday‘s Six Nations match against Italy, with Andy Farrell’s men desperate for a first win in this year’s tournament. The Irish head to Rome hoping to avoid losing their first three games for the first time since the 1998 Five Nations, when they ended up with the wooden spoon. Head coach Andy Farrell has made seven changes including an all-new front row after the 15-13 defeat by France, with prop Tadhg Furlong starting his first Test since the loss to England last February. “The three coming in have been working together in training for the last three-and-a-half weeks so there is some continuity in that regard,” Farrell said on Thursday. “We feel Ronan (Kelleher, the hooker) deserves a start as his attitude has been excellent and he has played well when he has come on.” Farrell said the decision to make sweeping changes in personnel was not a sign of panic after defeats to Wales and France. “Some guys are coming back in and some of the others have had more game time under their belt,” he said. “Others have earned their place and deserve a chance. … Continue reading Johnny Sexton returns to lead a much-changed Ireland side