Ireland faces Italy in their next six nation’s fixture, and they will look forward to ending a two-game Six Nations losing streak. The Azzurri will consider drawing inspiration from their spirited display in their loss to England.
This is Ireland’s worst start to a Six Nations campaign, and they will have a chance to recover against the less fancied Azzurri’s. Andy Farrell led team have suffered back to back defeats to France and Wales, while the hosts are searching for their first win.
This a must-win match for the Irish.
The Irish team finished in a third-place at the 2020 Six Nations. This was termed as an “average return” by Irish Rugby Football Union performance director David Nucifora. The team’s defeats already recorded in this year’s Six Nations mean it has become hard to even get third in this year’s tournament.
Besides, the Irish team are overwhelming favourites to win against the hosts at the Stadio Olimpico. They need to record a convincing victory and a brilliant display.
Failure to do so will result in more scrutiny of the team’s progress under Farrell. Likewise, Farrell has expressed satisfaction with the happening behind the cameras and insists that the pressure makes him “feel alive”.
The Azzurri are on a Six Nations losing streak that stretches back to six years, a record that could extend to 30 games if they lose this match.
Head coach Franco Smith retains the side that put up a spirited performance against England last time out. Still, their poor form in the competition kills any hope of a shocking win.
