Schmidt hopes to rekindle Ireland’s title bid with triumph over Italy
>> MILAN: Avoiding delays, and another sluggish start, away to a determined Italy will be key as Ireland look to salvage their Six Nations title hopes with a win in Rome today.
Ireland’s status as potential tournament winners, following an historic first win over the All Blacks in November, suffered a massive blow in a 27-22 loss to Scotland that left them fourth in the table.
Delayed by 15 minutes in arriving at the stadium following the unplanned re-routing of their team bus, Ireland were ruffled and shipped three tries in the opening 15 minutes at Murrayfield.
Coach Joe Schmidt has demanded it not be repeated.
“I have challenged them for a better start in Italy,” said New Zealander Schmidt. “It’s incredibly disappointing the way we started last weekend.
“I do think it’s a challenge for a professional player that they can be adaptable in different circumstances, so they can still start well and cope.
“So we’ve certainly given them that challenge this week, and hopefully we see a better start.”
Schmidt has resisted the temptation to rush inspirational fly-half Jonathan Sexton, who missed the Scotland defeat with calf trouble, back against an Italy side coached by former Ireland fullback Conor O’Shea.
As was the case at Murrayfield, Paddy Jackson will be the starting outside-half.
No.8 Donnacha Ryan and prop Cian Healy were the only changes to Ireland’s starting XV ahead of their 27th meeting with Italy, 22 of which they have won.
Ireland’s 58-15 win in Dublin last year was their fourth in succession, following a 22-15 Azzurri win at the Stadio Olimpico in 2013.
Yet the Azzurri have blossomed under O’Shea, whose professional approach and belief in a rejuvenated side was repaid with an historic 20-18 win over South Africa last November.
It offered fans an early glimpse of potential successes further down the road.
Indeed, for 40 minutes against Wales last week hopes were high as Italy’s defence held firm on their way to a 7-3 half-time lead thanks to Edoardo Gori’s 29th minute try and the conversion from Carlo Canna.
Ill discipline returned to haunt the hosts, Italy conceding three penalties in quick succession. They then paid for prop Andrea Lovotti’s visit to the sinbin on the hour by allowing a rampant Wales to run in three late tries.