James Ryan: 'Our defence is going to have to hugely step up from where it was on the weekend'

“I think they're a very good attacking side, their attack has really evolved and so our defence is going to have to hugely step up from where it was on the weekend."

DEFENSIVE SET UP: Ireland will have to reduce avoidable penalties and their defence when they face Italy in the final game of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

In an ideal world, James Ryan can sit back after his day’s work at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday safe in the knowledge Ireland have delivered a performance of which his team be proud.

Yet the frustrations experienced across the Irish squad this week following a humbling Guinness Six Nations defeat at home to France last Saturday means that perfect scenario will require the righting of an awful lot of wrongs for Ryan and his team-mates in their final-round clash with Italy.