‘We have to back ourselves and trust the group to get victory’ – Henshaw

ROBBIE HENSHAW has called on Ireland to have the confidence to go and put in a big performance against Italy this afternoon.

After the team’s 2023 World Cup schedule was revealed yesterday, Andy Farrell’s men are looking for a first win in this season’s Six Nations against the only other winless team in the tournament so far. Defeat for Ireland would see them slip to their lowest ever place on the World Rugby rankings, ninth, and it would also ramp up the pressure on the head coach.

The 2018 champions have come in for a lot of criticism after losing to Wales and France, in particular over their misfiring attack. And Henshaw, who wins his 50th cap this afternoon, says they need to show progress at the Stadio Olimpico.

“We need to go and back ourselves, have full confidence in the group that is selected,” the Leinster centre said.

“We know it’s not going to be easy by any means, I think Italy are showing up and they’ve shown some really good pieces of play, particularly against England, and France, scored lovely tries.

“So yeah, we need to just build into it and get our basics right on the day and make sure we go from moment to moment in the game.”

Scrum coach John Fogarty confirmed that all the players came through yesterday’s Captain’s Run unscathed and the former Leinster hooker said Ireland must be prepared for a tough contest.

“We’d expect to put ourselves in good positions to start with,” he said. “It’s going to be a battle against Italy.”