All Roads Lead to Rome

Ireland have one final game to right the wrongs from last weekend versus Les Bleus. The humbling defeat had a sobering effect akin to a thirty something year old, who was always adamant they could still dunk, realising they could no longer hit the heights of years gone by. 

The Irish media have taken a long hard look at themselves this week and the general tone seems to be woe is me. However, one defeat does not a poor team make and this Irish side have one final opportunity in this year’s Six Nations Championship to show the world of rugby what they’re all about.

Simon Easteryby’s side travel to Rome this weekend to take on Gonzalo Quesada’s Azzurri side. Ireland are set to line out with a much stronger, much more on brand 23 than last week and it’s not hyperbole to say that James Lowe makes all the difference. With the Leinster winger returning to the starting team, having pulled out of the game after sustaining an injury in the warmup, this team much more recognisable. His importance to this team can’t be disputed and it’s a massive coup for Easterby’s side that he’s fit to start for the final round. 

Jack Conan, Ireland’s super sub during this year’s championship, starts in the number six shirt having received his last start at No.8 versus Wales. Conan has been terrific this year and is deserving of his place in the starting team. 

Garry Ringrose, who was desperately missed in last weekend’s defeat, returns to the team having served his ban for a high tackle against Wales in round 3. Much has been said about the length of his ban and the legitimacy of including a URC game in the list of games he could hypothetically be involved in. The system as a whole needs to be reviewed and Ireland shouldn’t be punished for gaming the system, every team’s attempts to do it, in this case Ireland just did a better job than their French counterparts earlier in the championship when arguing Romain Ntamack’s case. 

Mack Hansen returns to the right wing to complete Ireland’s first choice back three. Suddenly this back three looks far more comfortable, it looks cozy and warm and fans can sleep alot sounder knowing Ireland’s flanks are covered. Hansen has been a point of creativity for this team.  He and Lowe have often stepped in at first receiver off of set piece to add another layer to Ireland’s attack and it was noticeable how telegraphed Ireland looked last weekend against the French. Hansen and Lowe’s return should go a long way to changing the potential shapes Ireland can roll out against Italy.

Munster’s Jack Crowley comes in at 10 for Sam Prendergast who had a bruising day out against Fabian Galthie’s side. It wasn’t quite Mathieu Bastareaud targeting Johnny Sexton, but this France team definitely looked to put the hurt on the 10 channel last time out. Prendergast used every trick in his box last week, he chased down his own interception and showed his commitment to this team by consistently getting back up after being knocked off his feet. 

The 22 year old has had some incredible moments and it’s clear to see the talent the Irish coaches are talking about. His next test is seeing how he can influence a game from the bench. One of Prendergast’s main strengths is his passing and selecting the correct option. Can he capitalise on a tiring defence and put his players through emerging gaps as the game comes to a close? That will be his KPIs for this weekends game.

Jack Crowley is deserving of his start. His club form had improved as the Six Nations came into view and he’s had impact on games when utilised off the bench. He will have been frustrated that none of his appearances off the bench have been at flyhalf but Crowley now gets his chance against an improved Italy team to show his credentials. In times gone by, games against Italy were used to reward squad players with minutes. Now however, they’re a legitimate test and one that Crowley can genuinely use to remind us all of his skillset.

Perhaps the biggest piece of news for Irish fans this weekend is the return of Tadhg Furlong. Ireland have committed to growing their propping stocks this year but Furlong was dearly missed against the French. Pound for pound, he’s one of Ireland’s players who can combat their massive front row. It’s his first appearance of the championship and his place on the bench completes an excellent 23 for Simon Easterby’s side.

There are permutations galore in this final weekend of Six Nations action but for Ireland, all roads lead to Rome.