| Ireland ready to do Italian job
A match which had looked like been an amiable postscript to a successful
season for both teams takes on a whole new significance as Ireland can
win their first-ever Six Nations title if they rack up a big win against
a resurgent Italian side.
France top the table courtesy of their points difference but Ireland can
jump above Les Bleus if they beat Italy by five points or more than the
French beat Scotland.
With things so tight it looks as though nothing less than a comprehensive
victory for Eddie O’Sullivan’s men will be sufficient if they
are to make history in the Eternal City on St. Patrick’s Day.
The first headache to be faced by the Irish management team is the loss
of the influential Paul O’Connell who picked up an injury against
Scotland. Mick O’Driscoll is likely to come in for his first-ever
international start in his place.
Italy have started to fulfil their potential recording victories over
Scotland and Wales in this year’s Championship.
The Azzurri have been knocking on the door for a number of years and the
loss of their place-kicker Diego Dominguez to retirement has forced them
to play a more attacking game.
The added measure of flair has meant that the Italians, always strong
in defence, are now a potent attacking force. Marco Bergamasco is their
talisman and it’s no coincidence that the return of the flanker
has coincided with their defeats of Scotland and Wales.
Even without O’Connell though it’s hard to see Ireland losing
against an Italian side whose pack might meet its match against the Boys
in Green. But whether they can amass a big score against a confidence-fuelled
Italian side remains to be seen.
Ireland v Italy
Last five meetings:
2006: Ireland 26 Italy 16
Lansdowne Road
2005: Italy 17 Ireland 28
Stadio Flaminio
2004: Ireland 19 Italy 3
Lansdowne Road
2003: Italy 13 Ireland 37
Stadio Flaminio
2002: Ireland 32 Italy 17
Lansdowne Road
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