Ananova:

Lions hooker Shane Byrne has been left out of Ireland's squad for the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Italy on February 4.

Byrne, who made two appearances on the tour of New Zealand in the summer, has lost out to Ulster's Rory Best and Munster's Jerry Flannery for hooking duties.

Munster openside flanker David Wallace, who last started a game for Ireland in the second Test against Japan during the summer tour in June 2005, has been included in the 22-man party named by coach Eddie O'Sullivan for the match at Lansdowne Road.

Wallace could displace Johnny O'Connor at number seven, while Wasps scrum-half Eoin Reddan is the only uncapped player in the squad.

O'Sullivan said: "There were some very hard calls made to reduce the squad to our match 22, but as always we have gone with the players in form at this time.

"With the performances of the provinces in European competition last weekend, there is certainly a good positive feeling in the camp, but the players and staff are well aware of the challenge that Italy will represent next weekend.

"The game is certainly going to be a tough opening test as it was last year."

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