The Ireland team to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, February 25th was named this past Tuesday.
Ireland head coach Declan Kidney named the same starting 15 and replacements from the postponed game against France two weeks ago. No surprises there.
Due to the postponement of the France game, Ireland now face four games in a row in the Six Nations. Four games in a row plays out much like a World Cup or Tour so Ireland should be well used to this scenario. Several players on the team, including captain Paul O’Connell have gone on record to say that they play better the more games they have back to back. The reason I am making a point of that is so we can keep it in mind when the Ireland management bemoan the fact that their players are tired.
Ireland, a small four province nation (like Grand Slam chasing Wales), will always play the poor mouth when it comes to international rugby.
The national team sits on the floor begging for scraps from the international top table, while our provinces continue to not only sit at the top table of club rugby, they also decide on the menu of rugby to be dished out.
Ireland face a must win game against a battle hardened Italy who are due a win against the Irish in the six nations. This is meeting number 13. Unlucky for some? It is time to walk the walk with the swagger out players show on club duty. Ireland can win four games in a row no hassle, if they forget about what they don’t have and use what they so. Simples.
Ireland team to play Italy: Kearney, Bowe, Earls, D’Arcy, Trimble, Sexton, Murray, Healy, Best, Ross, O’Callaghan, O’Connell, Ferris, O’Brien, Heaslip. Replacements: Cronin, Court, Ryan, O’Mahony, Reddan, O’Gara, McFadden.
