Ireland vs. Italy: Date, Live Stream, TV Info, Six Nations 2016 Preview
Although neither Ireland nor Italy have a chance of winning the 2016 RBS Six Nations, both will be keen on salvaging some pride from this campaign, and it's something that will be at stake when they meet in Dublin on Saturday.
It’s been a disappointing tournament for the Irish, as they've been unable to mount a stern defence of the title they won 12 months ago. They’ve not beaten any of the three other usual challengers in their first three matches, but games against Italy, who are also without a win, and Scotland should see them finish with a flourish.
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The visitors will be big outsiders when they head to the Aviva Stadium, as they seek to avoid another wooden spoon. Here are all the details you need on where to catch this match and a look ahead to how the clash is likely to pan out.
Date: Saturday, March 12
Time: 1:30 p.m. (GMT)
Live Stream: BBC website (UK)
TV Info: BBC One (UK)
Ireland, Italy Still Looking for First Win
With key players walking away from the Ireland setup ahead of this season’s tournament, this Six Nations was always going to be a competition of transition for the reigning champions.
Granted, there have been fine margins between Ireland and opponents like Wales, France and England in their matches so far, but at this level, they can be costly. It has left Joe Schmidt’s side without the winning edge they possessed last term and out of the running for the top spot with two games still to go.
The men in green will be boosted by the return of Jared Payne this weekend, and winger Andrew Trimble thinks the centre’s influence, which was missed at Twickenham last time out, will make a positive difference to the side.
“We'll see what happens, obviously Jared gives us another option in the midfield, and he's a quality player,” he said, per Press Association Sport (h/t Sky Sports) “I have played with Jared for a few years now at Ulster. Obviously you have got two contrasting styles between Jared and Stu [McCloskey], so it's just what sort of rugby Joe wants to play.“
For the visitors, there is a lot to play for. The Azzurri have been competitive in a lot of their matches this term, but when it’s come to the crunch, they have just fallen short. The 20-36 defeat to Scotland was indicative of the lack of ruthlessness in this Italy side, despite possessing many other positive traits.
Italy’s star man has long been No. 8 Sergio Parisse, and the Champions Cup Twitter feed offered an insight into the kind of impact he can have on matches:
The Azzurri may sense blood heading into this one. While there is a clear gulf in class between the two teams, given Ireland have little left to play for, it’d be no surprise if they were to take their foot off the gas; you suspect Italy will not have a better chance to defeat one of the regular title challengers away from home for a while.
Here is a reminder of the last time Ireland fell foul to Italy, with the latter seizing a thrilling 22-15 win at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome in 2013:
With the title gone, Schmidt may see these final two games as an opportunity to experiment with new faces and new systems with next year in mind. So if Italy turn up and bring their very best, they have the potential to make this one awkward for Ireland, especially in the early stages.
If they are ultimately to put together a potential shock, they will need to capitalise on any uncertainties in the Ireland defence from the off, as they have shown a propensity for tiring late in games. Sadly, that fortitude is unlikely to manifest suddenly, and Ireland will take the game away from the visitors in the second half.
Prediction: Ireland 27-10 Italy
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