New format leaves Ireland open to Italian shock

INJURED skipper Keith Wood and coach Eddie O’Sullivan expressed fears last night that the new compressed Six Nations structure could leave Ireland vulnerable to an upset against Italy in Rome tomorrow.

Wood yesterday urged a revamp of the Championship, believing the short time frame between matches gives an unfair advantage to England and France, who have greater playing resources.

“It’s ridiculous to have to play in Scotland on a Sunday and then Italy in Rome six days later. At any level of rugby there is bound to be a fallout for players. Six days, particularly when a team has to travel twice, is not enough of a recovery period.