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cat and no one knows that better than Joe. We will have more space today than against the English and the Scots so a game-plan way beyond slavish adherence to the box-kick is an essential, much more than a wish.
What we have achieved under Schmidt to date has been phenomenal but in order to take it to the next level (as in the World Cup), we need to plant seeds through ball in hand and not in the air ad a e . There is a sensible balance and that has to be the unstated aim in Rome tomorrow.
We need to challenge through dexterity of foot and speed of hand in addition to rugby in the air. Opportunity knocks for the first time in this championship to show soft hands and quick feet.
I am not underestimating the guaranteed physicality and line-speed that comes with this fixture but the absence of Sergio Parisse and his bonding influence makes for a golden opportunity to put us in the race for that final date in Cardiff (result today pending) in three weeks’ time.
Individual and collective confidence took a knock after England raided the Aviva.
To some extent – chiefly in terms of winning – that was restored in Edinburgh so this is not just any old Italian fixture.
It is heaven-sent and represents a golden opportunity to prepare for the French as we thought we had for the English on the opening weekend because that game will be brutish.
Unfortunately the French, as currently constituted, know no other way, although for them too opportunity knocks against the weakened Scots.
It is an opportunity too for key players to restore confidence and chief in that respect has to be our half-backs.
On their day they are up there with the best but right now, due in the main to injury and lack of game time, they are struggling.
A successful Ireland needs Conor Murray and Sexton at full tilt and in cruise control.
They are both great players but each depends on confidence as much as the next to fuel performance. Take that away and even the very best struggle.
Winning is the very bottom line but this Rome trip demands so much more again than the Edinburgh game two weekends ago.
This is our chance to make a statement and I expect us to grab it in every way.