Time for some blue-sky thinking as refreshed Ireland resume Six Nations

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Johnny Sexton gets in some kicking practice during the Ireland Rugby Captain’s Run at Aviva Stadium, yesterday. Picture: Inpho/Billy Stickland

In a game amid circumstances rife with uncertainties, Mike Catt was unequivocal about what is needed from Ireland when they take the field against Italy this afternoon for the first time since a demoralising defeat to England on February 23.

Different personnel, new combinations, biosecurity protocols, and a first Test match behind closed doors in the midst of a Covid-19 pandemic all combine to bring a variety of unknowns into this rearranged Guinness Six Nations Championship clash. Yet asked for the biggest lesson his team could learn from that bruising 24-14 loss at Twickenham almost exactly eight months ago and Ireland’s attack coach boiled it down to one element of certainty.