Level-five lockdown has slumped Ireland into mourning this weekend.
The gloomy expression of avid rugby fans can rest slightly as the Six Nations returns this weekend.
Fans had a deserved sneak preview into the form of many of the Irish squad during the PRO14 and European Cup with Leinster providing its macho dominance among the league’s frailty. Leinster’s player supremacy is reflected in Ireland’s match-day squad against Italy on Saturday in Dublin.
The theme of this clash will be the fresh faces of Will Connors and Hugo Keenan earning a position in Andy Farrell’s starting XV. Their international debut for the 2020 Six Nations would have been short-lived with COVID pushing the competition back in March, but they earned their respective spots in the updated squad.
Kildare man Connors gets the nod at openside flanker in a back row that also includes fellow 2020 Test debutant Caelan Doris and Munster’s CJ Stander. Leinster ace Keenan joins Jacob Stockdale and Andrew Conway in the back three.
Along with Connors and Keenan Farrell, I have been impressed with the Leinster duo Ed Byrne and Jamison Gibson-Park, who are also in line to make their international bows after being named among the replacements.
Not many international teams can admit to having an abundance of midfield options but it has proven to be the biggest debate in recent weeks. The familiar Bundee Aki and Gary Ringrose centre pair has left the likes of Robbie Henshaw on the bench with Stuart McCloskey and Chris Farrell being left out completely. Farrell has expressed his difficulty in picking his centre pair with all five players being the pinnacle man in their respective provinces.
Despite injury concerns, Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray will continue their partnership against the Azzurri. It will be intriguing to see the systems that Ireland will adapt to in the remaining two games.
(Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
The main concern for Ireland is the lack of willingness to run the ball wide and the overuse of the box kick. While it may not make a difference playing against the standard of Italy it is something to be conscious of when we meet France the following week. Munster has proved against Saracens the shortcomings related to box kicking and the development of the defence in many clubs and countries to counteract its efficiency.
However, Ireland has progressed since the Joe Schmidt era with the team oozing young talent. It will be alluring to witness their progression under new management and a varied mix of talent.
Italy have made five changes to their lineout to face the Irish. The most significant alterations to their line-up are Paolo Garbisi replacing Tommaso Allan with Marcello Violi coming in for Callum Braley at scrumhalf. In addition, Italy’s coach Franco Smith has settled on moving Braam Steyn from number eight to openside, Jake Polledri from blindside to number eight with Sebastian Negri selected at blindside after playing as an openside against the Scots.
Ireland are 1/100 favourites heading into this match and with a bonus point crucial in their quest to be Six Nations champions, the odds suggest they will fly over this hurdle before the big finale against France.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
Great game. A lot to like about France, Irish toughed it out to the end.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
I think France might roll them this weekend being at home.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
Everybody. And Italy. :silly:
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Hope the Azzurri can make it a game, I watched a replay of Italy v Aust (2018) and although the Wallabies won convincingly, it was great to watch the Azzurri’s passion and fight trying to make it a contest. Added colour and flair to the game, Go Azzurri.
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
Very true. Murray has not been in the same form he was in years ago and it is happening the team in a crucial position
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I take no pleasure in having my pre match view that this would be ugly. Ireland’s struggles are hidden by how bloody poor Italy are
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I know. I was being deliberately difficult. It’s kind of true though. I’ve had nice Rome weekends with mates but the rugby tends to be very much a secondary consideration - the two hour training run that interrupts eating and drinking
Highlander
Guest
Will be watching this one Have been of the same opinion for the last couple of years Ireland’s issues stem from the 9:shirt, have done for a while Can’t change that predictable game plan until Murray is gone
:laughing:
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Yes, damn, I knew that, but hoped to get away with the comment :happy: :happy:
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
"Are Keenan and Chris Farrell related to each other or to Andy?" Chris Farrell is an Ulsterman, though he plays for Munster. Andy Farrell is a Lancastrian, so don't think they are related. Can't answer for Keenan.
SimplySportIRE
Roar Rookie
Thank you mzilikazi Leinster has been producing the majority of young talent in Ireland. I agree that Stockdale will be an interesting choice since he has been ineffective in previous games for Ireland. I would love to see Simon Zebo in there but the IRFU rule has blocked a serious asset to the team especially after his performance for Racing recently.
SimplySportIRE
Roar Rookie
Yes that was an error that I did not notice until now. No, Chris Farrell and Hugo Keenan are not related
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Thanks for the article, SSIre. Lot of very good young players coming through in Ireland, and good to see them coming into the national side. Murray will need to lift his game to convince many that he should still be the scrumhalf for Ireland. Sexton is also an aging warrior who can't have too long to go. There is certainly strength at centre. I regard Aki as the one who always plays, with the other very good players scrapping for the second centre place. I hope Ireland do use their potent back three players to more effect....pity they have lost Jordan Larmour though. Be interesting to see how Stocdale goes at fullback.
Everybody beat SA in 2016/17.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Careful, ozinsa, lot of people born in Ireland or of Irish descent here in Australia....so match is of great interest. And ofc lot of people of Italian descent, but they possibly look more towards soccer. Recent years Italy has not been strong, but in the early years in Six Nations they were a threat. And they have beaten the Springboks....2016, 20 - 18.
Zenn
Roar Rookie
“Along with Connors and Keenan Farrell” “Stuart McCloskey and Chris Farrell” Are Keenan and Chris Farrell related to each other or to Andy?
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Yeah very one sided.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I get why you might be interested but to the impartial viewer, this has zero attraction. Sorry. Italy has been enjoying the benefit of 6N status for a long time without adding anything bar a pleasant Rome weekend to the tournament
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Will watch this one. Think it might be a bit one sided though.