Rory Best will not feature for Ireland against Italy.
Having missed the captain's run yesterday due to a stomach bug, Joe Schmidt had been hoping to have his captain recovered in time for the game in Rome.
However, it was confirmed this afternoon that Best will miss the game.
Munster's Niall Scannell comes into the starting fifteen to make his Ireland debut with Leinster's James Tracy being promoted to the bench.
Team Update: @RoryBest2 ruled out. @N_Scannell222 to start with James Tracy on the bench. #TeamOfUs #shouldertoshoulder pic.twitter.com/oCgZxw1znA
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 11, 2017
It brings to an end a run of 52 consecutive Six Nations matches for the Ulster hooker. He falls just two caps short of the Irish record, which belongs to John Hayes. It's the first time Ireland will play a Six Nations match without best since March of 2006. Which is absolutely bonkers.
Jamie Heaslip will now stand is as captain in the Stadio Olimpico.
