Ireland must be ruthless

REGARDED by many as the minnows of the Six Nation’s championship, Italy arrive in Dublin today with designs on being the ultimate party poopers.

In times past, this encounter was a potential banana skin for the Irish. However, the Ireland of recent vintage is more professional than that. The scheduling of the game will cause concerns for Eddie O’Sullivan given that it is sandwiched in between the glory of Twickenham and the potential for Triple Crown immortality against Scotland next weekend.

As a result, “focus” has been the buzzword in the Irish camp in the build up to this game.

O’Sullivan has stressed the potential difficulties that Italy present. The physical nature of their game has troubled the best sides in world rugby.

Given that they arrive in Dublin on the back of championship success against Scotland in Rome, a degree of pressure has been lifted from Italian shoulders. Despite all the positives, they will not be good enough to beat Ireland today but they do have the capacity to make life difficult for the Irish in a number of areas.

The strength of this Italian side is almost solely focused in their forwards. In the championship, the front row unit of Lo Cicero, Ongaro and Castrogiovanni have troubled all opposition. Even the French in Paris failed to dominate. As a result, the Irish scrum could well face a more testing examination than at Twickenham.

Along with Gordan D’Arcy, the Italian No. 8 Sergio Parisse has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in this year’s tournament. Unfortunately for the visitors, they are robbed of his presence today due to an injury.

Even in his absence, the Italians still possess a very potent backrow unit. Their captain Andrea De Rossi is a forceful ball carrier as many of the Irish defence will recall. The Italians have demonstrated an ability to retain possession for long periods but their lack of quality behind the scrum has seriously hampered their overall effectiveness.

The greatest challenge facing John Kirwan has been in replacing the long established half back paring of Alessandro Troncon and Diego Dominguez.

In recent times New Zealand imports Griffen and Wakarua have failed to compliment the work of their powerful pack. Wakarua’s replacement at No. 10, Roland De Marigny, was a significant improvement in the clash with Scotland.

The biggest obstacle to Italian success has been their inability to score tries. In their three championship outings to date, they have managed to breach the opposition line only once.

In comparison to Ireland, the Italian midfield lacks a game breaker. Christian Stoica is only a shadow of the figure that wreaked havoc on a number of Irish sides sin the past. Injury to his partner Manuel Dallan complicates the issue further.

It is vital that Ireland goes into this game fully prepared for the war of attrition up front. The longer the Italians stay in touch, the more difficult they will become to suppress.

The Irish lineout must continue from where it left off in Twickenham. In this respect Donncha O’ Callaghan is presented with an early opportunity to re-establish himself after the unfortunate injury to Paul O Connell.

Ronan O’Gara, who is playing superbly at present, has the ability to orchestrate another Ireland win. If the Irish can get points on the board early, then the confidence that characterised the performance of the outside backs in the second-half against England can be taken to another level.

For Ireland to win this season’s Six Nation’s Championship, points difference could yet be crucial so the ruthless streak that was so evident in the first half against Wales must be seen again today. Of equal importance is the commitment that Ireland showed in defence against England. In many respects, the improvement that this Irish side has displayed in defence in recent times is equally as satisfying as their forward dominance.

Elsewhere, it will be interesting to see how quickly England bounce back from the reversal of two weeks ago.

The pressure on their squad has been increased as a result of the Ben Cohen ticket hassle and Neil Back’s criticism of the manner in which he has been treated by the England management. I think their character will shine through against the inconsistent Welsh.

For Ireland to emerge triumphant in this year’s championship may require England to defeat France in the last game of the tournament next weekend. To be in contention by the time that match kicks off, it is vital that Ireland win by a convincing margin today. It is also imperative, given the physical nature of our visitors, that we escape injury free. Then we can look forward to a potential Triple Crown celebration against Scotland.

Then and only then.