NORTH IS ASSESSED
BOSS SAYS HIS TEAM STILL IN WITH A SHOUT
Simon Harris expressed concern as up to 5,000 Italian fans are expected in Dublin.
Ulster were due to travel to face Benetton in the PRO14 this weekend but that match has already been postponed.
Irish people have been advised not to visit affected areas in Italy.
In a statement released yesterday, the IRFU said: “The Ireland v Italy fixtures scheduled for the weekend of 6th (U20s), 7th (Men) and
8th (Women) of March remain as scheduled.
The IRFU will follow government advice on such fixtures.”
The last time Six Nations fixtures scheduled for Dublin were postponed was in 2011. Clashes with Scotland, Wales and England were put back until September and October of the same year due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
“The national public health emergency team will be examining the issue of mass gatherings,” said Minister Harris. “The rugby game needs particular consideration because of the involvement of Italy. We will act in accordance with the best health advice.”
GEORGE NORTH will be assessed by Wales’ medical staff today after his latest concussion nightmare.
The wing took another heavy blow to the head from the elbow of France wing Gael Fickou after an aerial duel.
North hit the ground and lay motionless on the touchline before team medics rushed on.
The 26-year-old (above) failed the assessment that ruled out a return to the field but he later watched from the bench.
North has a long history of concussions, including four between November 2014 and March 2015.
Wales coach Wayne Pivac said: “We’ll use the best people available as we always do and they’ll make the decision.”
P W L D BP PF France ........ 3 3 0 0 1 86 England ...... 3 2 1 0 1 54 Ireland ........ 3 2 1 0 1 55 Wales .......... 3 1 2 0 2 79 Scotland ..... 3 1 2 0 2 35 Italy ............ 3 3 3 0 0 22 RESULTS Wales 42 Italy 0; Ireland 19 Scotland 12; France 24 England 17
Ireland 24 Wales 14; Scotland 6 England 13; France 35 Italy 22
Italy 0 Scotland 17; Wales 23 France 27; England 24 Ireland 12 FIXTURES
Ireland v Italy (2.15pm); England v Wales (4.45pm)
Scotland v France (3pm) Wales v Scotland (2.15pm); Italy v England (4.45pm); France v Ireland (8pm)
FELIPE CONTEPOMI says he has no worries over Johnny Sexton’s form after the Leinster man endured a nightmare at Twickenham.
The Ireland skipper fumbled the ball (right) which led directly to England’s opening try, before uncharacteristically scuffing two kicks wide off the tee.
It was one of the worst displays in
Padiff PT 62 24 13 42 12 9 50 5 9 51 28 6 32 3 6 94 -72 0 recent times from the out-half, who will be a central character when Saracens visit Dublin in five weeks for a Champions Cup quarter-final.
Many of Sexton’s opponents yesterday will be in Dublin that day too but Contepomi insists Sexton, 34, will be on top of his game.
“We’ve been here talking more about Johnny’s good days than bad days,” he said. “Sometimes you have a bad day. It is more important how he bounces back. He is such a competitor. He has shown at least from when I saw him after the World Cup, in the time he has been with us, he is in a good place mentally and physically.
“He’ll bounce back. I wouldn’t be worried about Johnny.”