Ireland's Call 'curveball' not intentional, says James Lowe

James Lowe admits Ireland were thrown "a bit of a curveball" before the Italy match but doesn't believe it was intentional.

The band on duty at the Stadio Olimpico played Ireland’s Call at a noticeably slower tempo than it is usually performed.

So much so that within a few seconds of the song starting up it was met with looks of bemusement and confusion both among the playing squad on the field and the management in the stands.

There were no such problems with the playing of Fratelli d’Italia, which was pitch perfect ahead of the kick-off in a match Ireland won 34-20 to maintain their Grand Slam hopes.

It's Ireland's Call, but not as we know it. After an *ahem* interesting down-tempo rendition in Rome the action is underway.