5 THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR AT AVIVA

Too early to talk about successive Grand Slams?

THE holders were handed the toughest opening fixture yet emerged from round one of the tournament as the only convincing victors.

The fixture has been the title decider in each of the past two years and could prove to be again.

A round-four trip to Twickenham appears to be Ireland’s biggest obstacle to becoming the first side to claim back-to-back Grand Slams since the Six Nations began in 2000.

Captain Caelan

CAELAN DORIS (above) was touted as a potential successor to Johnny Sexton as Ireland captain. A calf injury for new skipper Peter O’mahony means the 25-year-old has the chance to lead his country for the first time just two games into the post-sexton era.

A genuine world-class talent, Doris scored two tries during the Azzurri’s last visit to Dublin in August. With veteran flanker O’mahony set to turn 38 before the 2027 World Cup, this is a major audition for the future.

Big Joe’s big impact

ANDY FARRELL raised eyebrows by selecting rookie lock Joe Mccarthy (inset) ahead of James Ryan and Iain Henderson last week. But the hulking 22-year-old more than justified that decision. Mccarthy’s Six Nations debut suggests he will star in Ireland’s second row for many years to come. He will be partnered by recalled provincial team-mate Ryan today.

Azzurri blues to continue?

ITALY impressed in a narrow 27-24 loss against England in Rome last weekend. But they have never won on Irish soil in the Six Nations era.

Their sole victory over Ireland in 24 championship matches was a 22-15 Stadio Olimpico success in 2013. Mercurial full-back Ange Capuozzo is back from illness to strengthen the visitors. Yet new head coach Gonzalo Quesada has lost influential back-row forwards Sebastian Negri and Lorenzo Cannone due to injury. Ireland are overwhelming favourites to register a 17th consecutive home win, dating back to 2021.

A glimpse into the future

IN addition to Doris taking on the captaincy and the emergence of Mccarthy, Farrell has selected 24-year-old Munster half-backs Jack Crowley and Craig Casey to start together for just the second time.

Fly-half Crowley overcame a few nervy kicks in France to produce an encouraging performance.

Casey has usurped Conor Murray at provincial level and will now be eager to challenge first-choice scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-park on the international stage.