Five talking points as Ireland look to get back on track against Italy
Ireland face Italy on Saturday seeking to recover from their worst start to a Guinness Six Nations campaign.
Andy Farrell’s men have suffered successive defeats to Wales and France, while the hosts are also searching for a first win of the tournament.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the main talking points ahead of the game in Rome.
Must-win match
Ireland’s third-place finish in the 2020 Six Nations was deemed to be an “average return” by Irish Rugby Football Union performance director David Nucifora. Consecutive defeats mean it is already a tall order to replicate that moderate achievement. The Irish are resounding favourites to win at Stadio Olimpico and only a convincing victory coupled with an accomplished display is likely to prevent further scrutiny of progress under Farrell. The head coach has repeatedly expressed satisfaction at what he has seen away from the cameras and insists pressure makes him “feel alive”. Given recent results and the level of opposition, a first away success of his short tenure is a must.
Here’s Johnny
Debate about whether veteran captain Johnny Sexton will be available for the next World Cup will almost certainly rumble on for the foreseeable future. The 35-year-old said this week that he “might not” be around for the 2023 tournament but later clarified it was a “throwaway comment” and stressed he would assess his future year by year. With fly-half deputies Billy Burns and Ross Byrne each yet to convince they are capable of becoming his long-term successor and Joey Carbery working his way back from injury, there is little doubt Sexton remains his country’s leading number 10 for the time being. He will return from a head knock to win his 97th cap this weekend and should prove a steadying influence following a rocky few weeks.
Bright spark
In the aftermath of the narrow 15-13 loss to Les Bleus, Farrell spoke of needing more creative spark from his backs. Ireland have scored a tournament-low two tries to date and both have come from forwards – Tadhg Beirne and Ronan Kelleher. A failure to break down stubborn defences is becoming a regular concern. With Sexton back and Jordan Larmour handed his first start on the wing since before the 2019 World Cup, Farrell has named a backline comprised entirely of Leinster players. The Englishman will hope that familiarity can lead to greater cutting edge, while facing the competition’s weakest side should provide the perfect stage to cut loose.
Shuffling the pack
Although Farrell has demanded greater ingenuity from his more technically-gifted players, his raft of changes have largely come among the pack, including a complete front-row revamp. Only lock Iain Henderson and number eight CJ Stander have retained their positions from the France game. Tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong starts for his country for the first time in more than a year, with Kelleher earning a chance at hooker following his try-scoring cameo against France, and Dave Kilcoyne making a rare start at loosehead. Vice-captain James Ryan returns from his head injury to beef up the second row, pushing Beirne back to blindside flanker, while Will Connors comes in at openside.
Azzurri blues
Italy’s Six Nations losing streak – stretching back six years – is in danger of being extended to 30 games this weekend. Azzurri head coach Franco Smith has named an unchanged side after being competitive in defeat to defending champions England last time out but their wretched run remains a blight on the Championship. While there have been calls for the introduction of promotion and relegation into the tournament via a play-off game, Farrell feels the Italians deserve to retain their place, pointing to the progress being made under South African Smith. There are plenty who disagree.
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
9 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
9 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
9 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
9 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments