Italy clash provides opportunity for Kidney

If Declan Kidney genuinely believes having to play four games in 22 days will adversely affect Ireland’s chances of getting their RBS 6 Nations challenge back on track, he will rotate his squad for Saturday’s clash with Italy at the Aviva Stadium.

Kidney feels he has been dealt a more difficult hand by the postponement of the French game. But it shouldn’t prove a problem. Ireland’s head coach has spoken many times of the need to put together a large squad with each position covered by at least two players. And with the exception of tight head prop, he has succeeded.

So, with shrewd use of the resources, he should be able to put a fit, well-prepared side on the field for each game. These are finely tuned, professional athletes who have benefited from the IRFU policy of limiting their game appearances to be fresh for international matches.