Best backs Irish to win test of strength

RORY BEST has backed “under-strength” Ireland to take the first positive step towards RBS 6 Nations glory by beating Italy at the Stadio Flaminio this afternoon.

Best believes Ireland are in a much better position than two years ago to cope with the huge injury fallout and is looking forward to what he describes as a “test of resources”.

As Ireland face the Azzurri without as many as 12 front-liners, Best declared it could be the ultimate examination of how far Ireland have come: “Maybe it’s not a bad thing to (have to) test the depth of the squad. I have a lot of faith in this group; I think it’s a quality team with a very good bench and it’s good to think that 10 or more players are still to come back in.”