Joe Schmidt senses the pressure to reach old standards

Twelve months ago, Ireland were heading to Cardiff in search of the win that would keep their Grand Slam ambitions on track, only to go down narrowly in a thrilling, high-octane encounter with Wales. The game was lost but the RBS 6 Nations title would be won a week later.

A year down the road, today’s contest with Italy has none of those high stakes but the outcome is every bit as important for Joe Schmidt and his team.

Ireland on the brink or on the verge of something special? Whichever way you look at this afternoon’s Dublin meeting with the Italians, Schmidt’s side returns to the Aviva Stadium with victory an absolute must. After three games in this championship Ireland find themselves in fifth place and without a win following the opening draw with Wales and defeats in Paris and Twickenham.