Race for points leaves no room for sentiment

RBS 6 NATIONS:

That is not to say the Italians are to be dismissed out of hand, particularly in light of their first championship victory over the Irish in 14 attempts last year. They continue to have a strong pack capable of mixing it with the world’s best and they have a potent back line full of attacking threat now they have been given licence to run by head coach Jacques Brunel.

Yet there are several compelling reasons why today’s game in Dublin will not be won by the visiting Azzurri. As laudable as last year’s victory was over an injury-battered Ireland side, the fact that it came at Stadio Olimpico is significant. Unlike the legions that conquered Europe and beyond in times of antiquity, this is not an army that marches well once its boots step outside the Gates of Rome.