LIVE SIX NATIONS RUGBY UNION, RTE2, SATURDAY 1.30PM.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Scotland hadn’t read the script for Ireland’s opening match of the 2017 Six Nations last Saturday as they defeated Ireland, a team many of the pundits had predicted would be facing England in a Grand Slam showdown in the Aviva in the last series of matches over St. Patrick’s weekend.

Italy came unstuck at home against Wales but they were sticky opponents.

A bonus point win will put Ireland’s Championship bid back on track. Ireland will start as favourites against the Azzurri and have only lost one Six Nations to the Italians, which occurred in 2013 at this stadium. Italy are now coached by former Ireland full-back Conor O’Shea, which should add an extra element to proceedings.