Response needed but title hopes slim – Italy v Ireland talking points
The two-time reigning Six Nations champions need to win and then hope other results go their way on Saturday.
Ireland will attempt to keep alive their slim chances of a third successive Guinness Six Nations title against Italy in Rome.
Simon Easterby’s side are reliant on results in the other two fixtures after last weekend’s Dublin drubbing at the hands of France emphatically ended their Grand Slam aspirations.
Here, the PA news agency picks out some of the main talking points.
Bouncing back
Slim shot
Ireland need to win – ideally with a bonus point – to stand any chance of snatching the title. They will then face a waiting game. If Ireland successfully increase their points tally from 14 to 19, the permutations for them to lift silverware are relatively straightforward – they need second-placed England to, at most, beat Wales without a bonus point while also surrendering their current points difference advantage of seven, and then France must lose to Scotland in Paris.
Crowley in from the cold
End of an era
Azzurri to add to Ireland’s blues?
An away victory is largely being taken for granted. Ireland have lost just one of the previous 25 Six Nations fixtures between the countries but Italy have improved significantly in recent years and demonstrated their try-scoring threat throughout the competition. Gonzalo Quesada’s side begin the weekend a point above winless Wales as they bid to avoid the wooden spoon for the second successive year. Quesada has made seven changes to the side beaten 47-24 by England, including dropping captain Michele Lamaro to the bench. A shock home win would leave alarm bells ringing in the Irish camp.
