IRELAND HEAD COACH ANDY FARRELL has warned his Irish side that they must be on their toes when they face Italy on Saturday in the third round of the Six Nations.
The Italian rugby team throughout Six Nations history have been the whipping boys of the tournament, winning only 11 games since the year 2000.
For example, it was only in 2022 that Italy managed to end a 36-game losing streak in the tournament. The streak ended when Italy beat Wales 21-22 with a last-minute try from Ange Capuozzo in Wales.
Before this win talk of relegating Italy to a second-tier competition did the rounds in rugby circles, and there was even talk of South Africa entering the tournament in a couple of years.
However, under Kieran Crowley the Italians are a far more accomplished and confident side in 2023.
"It's not the Italy of old"
Andy Farrell and Mack Hansen have been speaking after the Ireland team was named for Saturday's Six Nations clash: https://t.co/bXmtG9lOqr #rterugby #SixNations #ITAvIRE pic.twitter.com/jbiiIazWDp— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) February 23, 2023
A competitive performance against France in the opening round and a strong display against England in round two have put the other nations in the tournament on high alert.
Ireland, who are chasing a Grand Slam this year head to the Stadio Olympico on Saturday to face a vastly different Italian side to the one they normally put 40 to 50 points past every year.
Farrell speaking to the media admitted there should be no room for complacency from Ireland when the sides kick-off at noon tomorrow.
“We’ve full respect for Italy,” said Farrell on Thursday.
“Italy are obviously chasing that win at home and it’s a big scalp, so we know the emotion that they’ve always had, but the skill that they’ve put in with that now makes them a serious threat to us.
“We’re aware of that, and our preparation says so. There’s a realisation of what we’re up against this week and it’ll be a tough one.”
Ireland's game can be seen live on RTE TWO from 14.15pm tomorrow.
Ireland team
Fullback: 15. Hugo Keenan
Winger: 14. Mack Hansen
Centres 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Bundee Aki
Winger: 11. James Lowe
Out half: 10. Ross Byrne , Scrumhalf: 9. Craig Casey
Front Row: 1. Andrew Porter , 2. Ronan Kelleher, 3. Finlay Bealham
Second Row: 4. Iain Henderson, 5. James Ryan (C)
Backrow: 6. Caelan Doris, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Jack Conan
Replacements 16. Dan Sheehan, 17. Dave Kilcoyne, 18. Tom O’Toole , 19. Ryan Baird, 20. Peter O’Mahony, 21. Conor Murray, 22. Jack Crowley, 23. Stuart McCloskey
Our line up for Rome! 💪#TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 23, 2023
