THE Ireland rugby team start the defence of their Six Nations and Grand Slam crowns this Saturday afternoon against Italy. The game against Italy, kicking off at 14.30, marks the 56th appearance in green for Munster’s David Wallace. The Ireland number seven was this week named in a back row which sees a new face in the shape of Kevin Mc Laughlin. Entering into his 10th season with Ireland, Wallace is looking forward to the challenges ahead and believe it or not, the Garryowen club man is feeling fresher than ever.
“People have been asking about the pressure and challenges ahead. Defending the Grand Slam and the Six Nations is something we as a group have not had to deal with before. We will just be looking to do what we did last season and that is to take each game as it comes. It worked very well last season, so why not stick to it. All we are focussed on now is the Italy game on Saturday. It is all about winning that one”
Ahead of this season’s Six Nations the Ireland squad has seen more new faces. Having been around now for a decade of Irish rugby, the Munster backrower is delighted with the competition for places. “This a great squad. There are a lot of young lads coming through and they are coming through together. There is some amount of scrambling for positions, take for example that fact that players like Alan Quinlan and Neil Best are not even in squad. When you see that you see how strong a position Ireland are in at the moment.”
With the new breed comes new ideas and new beliefs. David is quick to point out the differences between this seasons panel of players and those Ireland teams of the past. “There is not much difference in the players quality. The big difference is belief. The new bunch of players have no fear and we as a squad believe that we are able to win every game. It is not the easiest of challenges this year, (wry smile) with England and France away, but they are the challenges and now we have to face them”.
The Ireland team for this weekend’s opening clash was named on Tuesday and included some surprises. Andrew Trimble comes in from the wilderness to push Keith Earls out of the side. Jerry Flannery has finally recovered and takes his spot at two. Johnny Sexton is ruled out through injury so O Gara gets the nod at 10. Gordon D’Arcy finally replaces Paddy Wallace and Kevin Mc Laughlin makes his debut at number six.
On the bench, Earls is joined by Rory Best, Leo Cullen, Tom Court, Eoin Reddan, Sean O Brien and Paddy Wallace.
Ireland have lost to Italy on three occasions, but never in the Six Nations. In fact Ireland are going for 14 wins in a row against the Azzuri. Who am I to tip against Kidney?
