After a strong autumn campaign, Joe Schmid and his Ireland side will be looking to continue their impressive form when they open their Six Nations account against Italy on Saturday evening.
At present they are reigning champions, ranked third in the world and a team brimming with ambition. Paul O’Connell will captain the Greens on his 97th cap and will be joined alongside the towering Devin Toner at second row.
Ireland are without a number of experienced players for this fixture including Jamie Heaslip and Johnny Sexton. Vice-captain Heaslip misses out due to shoulder trouble, and will be replaced by the totemic Jordi Murphy. To stem the pressure on the Leinster man, Sean O’Brien returns to action for the first time in five months.
The most illustrious loss after last season’s success is the departure of Brian O’Driscoll, one of the most gifted players ever to grace the Irish jersey. Much pressure will be on his heir, 22-year-old Robbie Henshaw, who partners Ulster’s Jared Payne in the middle. But as both players proved against Australia, they don’t shy away from the big stage.
For Italy, their pack continues to remain an imposing threat, but the big question will be if they can sustain that momentum for 80 minutes. They peak in sporadic periods of the game, which isn’t ideal against an Irish side entering the tournament on the back of an unbeaten run.
Going into this game, the stats don’t make for pretty viewing. Of the 23 times, both teams have met, Ireland have prevailed on 19 occasions. Italy’s most recent victory was in 2013 – a 22-15 win at Stadio Flamingo.
It’s much the same playing structure as well, as they look to employ a pick and run tactic, forcing the ball off the ruck and trying to battle through the phrases. Sergio Parisse leads the line well and epitomises a voracious workrate at the base of the scrum.
If Italy attain a level of dominance up front, they have the chance to unleash the significant power of full-back Andrea Masi. The Wasps man pulls the strings but can easily be exposed if ball isn’t channeled through his hands.
With all this talent among the Azzuri, their main task will be to break down a powerful Ireland defensive unit. Judging by Ireland’s ferocity in the tackle and their remarkable form, they shouldn’t have any trouble getting over the line on this occasion.
