Ireland looking to turn corner and push World Cup bid against Italy

Whoever finishes third in this year's Six Nations will earn a place at next year’s World Cup.

Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan. Picture: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

If last week’s defensive defiance away to the French made for an encouraging sight then tomorrow’s visit of Italy to Dublin marks the start of the Six Nations campaign that will ultimately define success or failure for Ireland.

This has been a two-tier tournament for far too long. The reality is that the title will be decided when France and England meet in Bordeaux come round five next month, but the other four nations aren’t exactly fighting for scraps.