Nigel Carolan wary of dangerous Azzurri

Joe Schmidt’s side may still seek a first win of the campaign, but it is hard not to look at their U20 counterparts and suspect that their corner has already been turned.

Defeats to Wales and France had left them with plenty of questions to answer, but a dramatic come-from-behind win in Newcastle against England two weeks ago — they trailed by 20-6 at one point — leaves them well-placed to kick on up the table.

Italy and Scotland at home? Perfect, you would think.