Preview: Ireland too far advanced for much Italy worry

Italy are due a Six Nations win soon, so the saying goes.

They ran France close last season, eventually losing 29-24 in Rome on the opening day and they proceeded to give Ireland a good run for their money in round three.

The Azzurri gave Scotland an almighty scare as the championship came to a close.

Down by five points with a scrum on the Scottish line, they couldn't convert and Scotland killed the game off with a breakaway try.

After beating Wales in 2022, to end a 36-game losing streak, things were looking up but the failure to build on that last year, and a disastrous World Cup, in which they lost 96-17 to New Zealand, had people rightly asking where they were at.

Last weekend’s 27-24 defeat to England might give the impression that the game was closer than it actually was.

England, when it mattered, held their composure and kicked Italy around the place.

"They are so close to getting a few big scalps," said Ireland’s Jack Conan earlier this week.

"We have to do everything in our power to make sure we are on it because that can’t be us that they do it [against]."

Spoiler alert: It won’t be. Not today anyway.

Ireland, ranked second in the world, are far too advanced to let a game and improving Italy outfit get in the way of their Grand Slam plans.

But it won’t be easy. Victory last week over France, and the manner of it, might suggest Ireland could run up a cricket score against lowly Italy but patience is the key.

"I hope they’re being patient in just being quiet and waiting to get going," said Farrell when asked about high expectations among supporters.

"I hope we can excite them in the way that we can go and play the game. I think our fans are educated enough to understand the difference between a good side and a side that’s