Andrew Goodman: 'We have to be better around dropping our height into collisions so we’ve got 15 men on the field'

Ireland to capitalise on a strong first quarter of attacking pressure and then allowing themselves to be outgunned when shipping two yellow cards either side of half time.

SIZE DOESNT MATTER: Ireland will stick to the belief size does not matter as the defending Guinness Six Nations champions aim to rebound from their 42-27 humbling at the hands of France against Italy this Saturday. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Ireland will stick to the belief size does not matter as the defending Guinness Six Nations champions aim to rebound from their 42-27 humbling at the hands of France against Italy this Saturday.

Despite the consensus outside the camp following their Grand Slam-ending loss to new title favourites France in Dublin last weekend was a victory for the visitor’s power and pace, Ireland will travel to Rome on Thursday believing it is not the dimensions of a player that count, rather what he does with it.