Farrell fires up Ireland

ANDY FARRELL has ordered Ireland to rediscover a clinical edge against whipping boys Italy today after suffering their worst start to a Six Nations campaign.

The Irish are bidding to salvage some pride following disappointing defeats to Wales and France.

Head coach Farrell insists the situation is far from doom and gloom but urged his side to take a giant stride forward this afternoon.

‘There’s quite a lot right within our game but it all comes down to having a clinical edge at this level, right at the top,’ he said.

‘Our fight and will to impose ourselves against the opposition has been top class. The finishing clinical edge is always the missing ingredient of any team that wants to be worldclass, so that’s what we are striving for and, hopefully, we can make a jump in that direction this weekend.’

Ireland’s only Championship tries so far have come from forwards Tadhg Beirne and Ronan Kelleher, with Farrell calling for greater spark from his backs following the loss to Les Bleus.

He has made seven changes for the trip to Rome, including recalling skipper Johnny Sexton and vice-captain James Ryan following head injuries.

Italy captain Luca Bigi says his side will take increased belief into the game following a competitive display in their 41-18 defeat to England a fortnight ago. ‘The score did not satisfy us, but it gave us greater awareness in what we can do,’ said Bigi. ‘We want to add a new step in our growth path.’ TV: LIVE Italy v Ireland, ITV, 2.15pm.