Wood cautious ahead of Italy clash
Ireland captain Keith Wood has warned supporters not to go overboard in their expectations as the side prepares for its Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Saturday.
The Irish hooker is worried that last year's three victories in the Six Nations will induce a degree of complacency in both fans and players alike.
He said he wants Ireland to emulate last year's success, but also to achieve a degree of steadiness lacking from last year's campaign.
"I'm firmly of the opinion that you can't go from wooden spoon winner of one year to champions the next," he said. "I would say we need to win a minimum of two matches. We are looking for a level of consistency, both in performance and results".
Despite missing both Brian O'Driscoll and Denis Hickie, Ireland are warm favourites to start their Six Nations season on a winning note.
But Woods is cautious, remembering the Italians' win over Scotland last year as an example of what can happen to a side that has not prepared correctly.
"I was very wary last year about playing Italy. They are a good side and have the ability to pull out maybe one or two big performances a season", he said. "They will obviously see a home game against Ireland as an opportunity for that."
