Ireland backrowers Denis Leamy and Simon Easterby have defended coach Eddie O'Sullivan's selection ahead of the opening Six Nations game against Italy in Croke Park.

The pair have been retained, along with David Wallace, at the back of the scrum but the decision has come in for criticism with many observers believing the side would be better served with Leinster's Jamis Heaslip at number eight and Leamy replacing Easterby on the blindside.

Along with the vast majority of Ireland's squad, Easterby struggled during the World Cup and has endured a disappointing season with Llanelli since, but the 32-year-old remains a prominent figure in O'Sullivan's plans and the Ireland coach is hoping his loyalty will be rewarded during the Six Nations.

"Eddie has dropped me before and I have come back," said Easterby. "I am not afraid of being dropped because at my age I go out to enjoy it as if it were my last game.

"You can never count on anything going on forever. I'm happy with my form at the moment.

"At Llanelli we have suffered from injuries a little bit and the form of several individually hasn't been great."

If Easterby fails to shine early in the Six Nations, O'Sullivan may find it impossible to persevere with his backrow stalwart.

Impressive 24-year-old Heaslip has been championed as a Test star in waiting and would slot in at number eight, with Denis Leamy moving across to take Easterby's place on the blindside.

Leamy, another who endured a tortuous World Cup, has been rampant since taking over at number six for Munster and many feel it is his better position, but the 26-year-old is content with the balance of Ireland's loose trio.

"I'm happy with the backrow. We've played together a lot and know each other's games so well," he said. "I'm delighted to be working with the two boys again. Jamie gives us an option off the bench — he can come on as an impact player and do well."

The continued discussion of Ireland's appalling World Cup has been driving O'Sullivan to distraction and the 49-year-old admitted the fallout was casting a shadow over preparations for the Six Nations.

But an emphatic victory over Nick Mallett's Italy would finally allow the Irish to begin the healing process and for Leamy Saturday will not arrive a moment too soon.

"Win or lose, you can't dwell on the past," he said. "Whatever happens you look forward because there's always a new competition or new game in front of you.

"What happened in France wasn't what we planned. It was disappointing and we have a lot to sort out.

"But we need to stop talking about the World Cup and concentrate on the Six Nations."

Mallett, the new Italy coach, has stressed the need to add variation to his side's forward-orientated game but Leamy believes it will be business as usual from the Azzurri.

"Italy's strength lies in their pack. They have big, strong guys who have a lot of know-how too," he said.

"They have a lot in common with South Africa in that respect."