Frustrated Ireland can’t afford to misfire again against Italy

“It’s been frustrating more than anything,” forwards coach Paul O’Connell said this week

CJ Stander in relaxed mood at Ireland’s Captain’s Run at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Stander starts at No.8 on Saturday. Picture: Inpho/IRFU/Ryan Bailey

Ireland, to some, maybe on a hiding to nothing in Rome as they seek out a belated first victory of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations against a side whose quest for long-awaited championship success is measured in years rather than matches.

While to many this represents a no-win situation for Andy Farrell and Ireland with little upside in beating an Italy side that has extended its losing streak in the championship to 29 consecutive matches with the concession of 91 points in the opening two rounds, this does also offer an opportunity against a porous defence to rediscover an attacking cutting edge that has been sorely lacking in defeats to both Wales and France.