Ireland gained a victory today after a very tight contest against Italy winning 20-13. Had today’s game been in Rome Italy may have manged to nick the win even though they will rue a few late mistakes that saw them lose possession and Ireland holding on for dear life.
James Lowe can be thanked for his late intervention that saw him intercept a pass and run clear and get close to the Italy “22” before being hauled down. That moment secured the tightest win for Ireland over the 26 years of Italy’s time in the Championship.
Ireland will know they mixed the good with bad and at times it became unacceptable from a team that we continue to hear hold themselves to the highest possible standard. Let’s hope this squad and its coaching staff come back down to earth and start dealing in reality rather than living on past glories.
There are still several issues like team selection and the game plan is still a major problem as is team discipline. All these problems will persist until they are addressed in a timely fashion. Changes will be likely next week as Garry Ringrose got a bang that could see him ruled out while others like Michael Milne will feel they have a chance to get back in after the pressure at the scrum and the line out. Tadgh Beirne and Edwin Edgbo could swap straight in for Joe Mc Carthy and James Ryan.
Cormac Izuchuwu could keep his place in the 6 shirt after a strong showing in the loose and at line out time in particular from a defensive point of view. Ireland have plenty to look into before heading to London next week.
The overall game plan still doesn’t show much improvement. Italy for their part were well in the contest and as previously mentioned had that game been on home soil they would have beaten Ireland. There are glimpses of improvement but the defence is still very suspect and weak when you need to it to become water tight or at least show signs it is going the right way.
Italy will know this was an opportunity missed to get a first ever back to back win in the 6 Nations. There scrum really impressed and put both starting and replacement Irish front rows under severe pressure. It again shows if you have a solid set piece you can go places. There back play also put Ireland in the shade and had them scrambling countless times this afternoon.
For Ireland, It is a trip to Twickenham to face a wounded England after they were humbled 31-20 this evening in Murrayfield. The hopes of an England Grand Slam are over for 2026 but they like Ireland will be in search of a strong showing after a mixed opening fortnight for both sides.
From an Irish point of view it might be time to evoke the memories of times past like 1982 and 1985 to help focus the mind for the task at hand in Twickenham next Saturday. Ireland are in need of a strong showing and let’s hope the performances of certain players will be rewarded with starting places or at least a place in the 23.
Here is my 23 to face England –
15 Jamie Osbourne
14 Robert Balacounne
13 Tom Farrell
12 Stuart Mc Closkey
11 James Lowe
10 Jack Crowley
9 Jamison Gibson Park
8 Jack Conan
7 Caelan Doris
6 Cormac Izuchkwu
5 Tadgh Beirne
4 Edwin Edogbo
3 Thomas Clarkson
2 Dan Sheehan
1 Micheal Milne
–
16 Ronan Kelleher
17 Tom O Toole
18 Tadgh Furlong
19 Joe Mc Carthy
20 Nick Timoney
21 Craig Casey
22 Harry Byrne
23 Tommy O Brien