Greg Feek impressed as Conor O’Shea’s Italy don’t give a ruck

Conor O’Shea can expect a flurry of grateful messages on St Patrick’s weekend if Ireland account for England in Dublin and, in the process, claim the Six Nations title on points difference.

England stand three points ahead of Ireland at the Six Nations summit after as many rounds thanks to their bonus-point defeat of Italy on Sunday but the unusual tactics employed by O’Shea’s Azzurri cut deep into the expected scoreline.

The 21-point win leaves England with a points difference of +29. Ireland’s is double that and, though there are numerous boxes to be ticked before that maths even begins to matter, it could be that the Italians’ ‘no rucking’ policy in Twickenham proves decisive.