Italy v Ireland - the Talking Points
Ireland start the defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown by facing Italy in Rome tomorrow.
Here, we examine five central talking points ahead of the Stadio Olimpico showdown.
Ross is Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt’s most trusted lieutenant – the only ever-present selection in Schmidt’s Test reign.
Whether by injury or design, that fact is stark – especially when set against Ross losing his status as Leinster’s premier tighthead prop recently.
Ireland rival Marty Moore edged ahead of Ross for Leinster’s last two Champions Cup pool matches, but Test boss Schmidt remains unmoved and has no fears Ross will be ready.
Munster fly-half Keatley’s fourth cap will be his Six Nations debut – at 27.
Johnny Sexton will sit out the game as he completes his enforced 12-week lay-off after four concussions in 12 months – but in all likelihood he will regain his place against France.
However, Schmidt does not think Keatley’s relatively late tournament bow underlines the fact he could struggle to impose himself on Ireland’s long-term picture.
Italy captain Sergio Parisse
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Schmidt insists Gordon D’Arcy’s omission from Ireland’s entire match squad for the Italy clash does not cement Henshaw and Payne as the new midfield men.
However, Leinster stalwart D’Arcy, who turns 35 next week, has struggled to reach former heights this term. With Brian O’Driscoll retired, Ireland have no choice but to build a new midfield partnership, and whatever Schmidt says to the contrary, Henshaw and Payne have first crack of that whip.
The pair might only be making their second Test appearance as Ireland’s centres, but Schmidt has selected them ahead of Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald and the 81-cap D’Arcy.
There can be few stronger indications these are the men who can forge Ireland’s World Cup midfield partnership.
Parisse, who battled persistent back problems last season but now feels fresh and in prime form, boasts the guile and deftness to capitalise on the grittier aspects of the Azzurri’s forward play and provide a vital backline link.
The pair worked in tandem to devastating effect in 2013, but both were ravaged by a succession of injuries last year.
Now both are back, desperate to halt Italy’s winless run.
New Zealand-born fly-half Haimona added extra zip to Italy’s recently-sluggish wide game.
Italy may want to send Haimona down the inexperienced Ian Keatley’s 10 channel with ball in hand, but he will need to offer a creative influence too.
Italy will need to produce something special behind the scrum to inflict any serious damage on the title-holders.
