Ireland look to do Italian job

Ireland face the first examination of their RBS 6 Nations credentials at the Stadio Flaminio hoping to avoid becoming another famous Italian scalp.

Scotland and Wales had endured humiliating defeats in Rome in the past and it is imperative Eddie O’Sullivan’s men avoid similar embarrassment if they were to confirm their status as serious title contenders.

A glance down the starting line-ups suggests Ireland hold all the aces – they are able to name a full-strength side skippered by Brian O’Driscoll for the 19th time with last year’s hero Gordon D’Arcy making a welcome return.

Prop Reggie Corrigan has overcome his knee problem to take his place in the front row and it is a special day for lock Malcolm O’Kelly who wins his 69th cap, equalling Mike Gibson’s record for Test appearances made by an Irishman.

Italy’s pack is described as their best ever by O’Sullivan and it does have a robust look to it with hooker Fabio Ongaro passed fit yesterday, but their lack of experience behind the scrum is an area of weakness.

The Azzurri squad had been ravaged by flu in the build up to the match but everyone had recovered by Friday and John Kirwan is able to field his preferred team with veteran Alessandro Troncon returning at scrum-half.