Jamie Heaslip, named in Kidney’s squad this week, was again omitted from the Leinster side for the game against Racing Metro on Friday night as he struggles to overcome an ankle injury.

Despite the absentees, Connacht forward Mike McCarthy is the only uncapped player in the Six Nations squad and Bowe believes Ireland have plenty in reserve to challenge for the title.

“We have a few new faces in the squad but two years ago we won the Grand Slam so the pressure is on and there is an expectation level there,” said Bowe.

“We have had a few injuries but until those players come back it will be exciting for the guys that come in.

“We are looking good. We finished November quite well, we lost to New Zealand but we showed we could play a bit of rugby, and we had a good win against Argentina. It's now important that we get off to a good start against Italy.

“Obviously to win a Grand Slam you need to win all your games and we will need to start well. But Italy will be tough to beat and their side have done well in the Magners League.

“Treviso have a great home record and those players will be involved in their squad so it will be a difficult place to go.”