Jackman: Italy need to take Ireland out of comfort zone

Bernard Jackman believes Italy will need to create chaos on the pitch if they're to cause a huge upset and end Ireland's Grand Slam hopes in Rome on Saturday (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

The middle round of games at Stadio Olimpico sees Ireland put their 100% record on the line against Italy, following impressive bonus-point wins against Wales and France in the opening rounds.

Italy have started the championship with back-to-back defeats, although Kieran Crowley's side came close to causing a shock in their 29-24 defeat against France in Round 1, while they produced flashes of brilliance in a sloppy performance at Twickenham a week later, where they were beaten 31-14 by England.

While Ireland haven been the team to beat so far in the championship, their defence was exposed at times in their 32-19 win against France in Round 2 at the Aviva Stadium a fortnight ago, with Fabien Galthie's side looking their most threatening when the game became fractured through knock-ons or turnovers.

And Jackman says if he were coaching a side against Ireland, he would look to focus on taking Ireland away from their comfort zone of structured play.

"Make the game as unstructured as possible," Jackman told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

"I'm not saying it's a weakness for Ireland, because from an attacking point of view they're very comfortable in that, but to try and test them from a defensive point of view.

"If you look at France, they scored from broken play for Penaud, and that's the type of possession they love, but they're very, very structured in terms of how they play, and it's just not as effective without Danty. In their kicking game, they're very structured, Wales as well under Gatland."

Italy have looked at their best during the Six Nations