Ireland’s gladiators expecting tough battle in Rome

THE Eternal City was at its picture postcard best in yesterday’s glorious sunshine and with more of the same expected for the weekend, conditions should be perfect for Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Italy in the Stadio Flaminio tomorrow.

The Irish party arrived in the late afternoon yesterday, with Reggie Corrigan rated by manager Brian O'Brien as "certain to play", unless he shows adverse affects to yesterday's pre-departure session at Terenure.

The 34-year-old loosehead prop has been bothered by a knee injury and the Irish management weren't prepared to take any chances Simon Best of Ulster travelled to provide cover on the bench should Marcus Horan be required to start.