Crowley recalled as Ireland make six changes to face Italy

Simon Easterby's side must secure a bonus-point victory in Rome to stand any chance of claiming an unprecedented third straight title, while hoping France and England fail to win.

Crowley makes his first start of the championship as he replaces Sam Prendergast at fly-half in one of six changes from last weekend's humbling defeat by France.

Garry Ringrose returns from suspension at outside centre, while James Lowe and Mack Hansen are recalled on the wings after recovering from injury, as Calvin Nash and Jamie Osborne are left out of the squad.

Jack Conan - a try scorer in Ireland's last three matches - comes in at blindside flanker as Joe McCarthy, who was sin-binned against Les Bleus, is replaced by James Ryan in the second row.

"We have freshened things up a little this week in selection," Easterby said. "It's a great boost to welcome back some players from injury, alongside others who have patiently waited in the wings for their chance to start.

"While there was disappointment with certain aspects of our performance last weekend, we are thankful for the chance to get back on the horse this week.

"We've shown our resilience in recent years, and I have no reason to believe that the game in Rome this weekend will be any different."

The retiring Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray will make their final international appearances from the bench, but Cian Healy has not been included.