Published Monday, 11 March 2013
Paul Marshall has been named in Declan Kidney's squad to face Italy. (© Pacemaker)
The scrumhalf is one of three Ulster players to be added to the line-up for Saturday's clash, along with Darren Cave and Craig Gilroy, who returns from injury.
Jonathan Sexton is also fit again after missing Ireland's last two games because of a hamstring injury.
It means Paddy Jackson has had a chance to earn two caps at fly-half, and on Saturday the 21-year-old kicked the conversion from Jamie Heaslip's early try, as well as adding two penalties.
During the same match, Eoin Reddan broke his leg and Conor Murray picked up a knee injury, while centres Brian O'Driscoll and Luke Marshall were both taken off.
In an injury-stricken match, Peter O'Mahoney suffered a dead leg, while Donnacha Ryan has an ongoing shoulder problem.
With so many players unavailable, it will be a challenging match for Ireland, although they have never lost to Italy in the championship.