Italian job will be tough grind

DON’T expect a cakewalk and don’t imagine it is going to be pretty.

These are two salient pieces of advice Irish fans would do well to consider as they prepare for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup clash against Italy in Dunedin. The Azzurri will have targeted this match for some time, their desire increased since Ireland’s shock win over Australia. Furthermore, their sense of belief is even greater given how close they were to winning when the sides met in the Six Nations earlier this season

Ireland won by a point (11-10) and Italian claims that the path to Brian O’Driscoll’s try was cleared by an obstruction weren’t far off the mark. In contrast, Luke McLean’s try for the Italians was a much more clear cut affair and understandably, they were devastated by Ronan O’Gara’s last minute drop goal which decided the affair.

True, that game (and that in which they sensationally beat France 22-21) took place in Rome, far from the enclosed Otago Stadium in Dunedin where support for the Irish will far outweigh what Sergio Parrrise and his side can expect on this occasion. But they will still revel in the role of underdogs. With the exception of Andrea Masi and Gonzaolo Canale, they lack any discernible cutting edge behind the scrum but their pack is a force to be reckoned with.

The manner in which Cian Healy, Rory Best and Mike Ross and company dealt with the Australians suggests Gert Smal has worked the oracle with the Irish scrum but the Italians could present an even more formidable challenge.

In spite of the one sided nature of the game against Russia, there were a number of developments that will provide Declan Kidney with further food for thought.

Chief among them is how he deals with the Ronan O’Gara-Jonny Sexton out-half issue. O’Gara’s belief that he should be starting the big games ahead of Sexton is lending an added edge to his game.

If the clash with the Italians develops into the anticipated war of attrition, then O’Gara’s all-round skills could be priceless, his claims all the more stronger now given his rival’s place kicking shortcomings. Fascinatingly, too, both men could — and should in the view of many — be chosen should Gordon D’Arcy’s hamstring strain not have cleared.

It is unlikely Kidney will consider making any other alteration to the side that defeated the Wallabies. Thankfully, what looked a serious knee injury to Rob Kearney against Russia has turned out to be minor and his continued form is a massive boost to Ireland’s prospects. Eoin Reddan looks set to remain at scrum half although a case could be made for Conor Murray, who brings a rare sense of physicality to the position.

WHILE the responsibility on Sunday will rest on the scrum — an Irish win is virtually guaranteed if they hold their own in this area — Kidney will be looking for further big performances from Seán O’Brien and Stephen Ferrris and Cian Healy in the loose, and a step-up in form from Jamie Heaslip.

It was interesting to hear Kidney uncharacteristically cast an eye to the future, mentioning Keith Earls as his idea of his long term replacement for Brian O’Driscoll in the number 13 jersey. He would have noted, too, that Sean Cronin continues to progress and he will surely challenge the status quo at hooker come the Six Nations in the new year.

For now, though, the focus has to be on the Italian Job, a challenge that will further tell us how far Ireland can realistically go in this World Cup.