2015 6N, Round 1; Italy vs Ireland

ITALY v IRELAND

Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
When: Saturday the 7th February 2015
Kick-off: 15.30 local time, 14.30 UK and Ireland

Referee: Pascal Gauzere (FFR)
Assistant Referee 1: Wayne Barnes (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Stuart Berry (SARU)
TMO: Graham Hughes (RFU)

ITALY

15 Andrea Masi
14 Leonardo Sarto
13 Michele Campagnaro
12 Luca Morisi
11 Luke McLean
10 Kelly Haimona
9 Eduardo Gori

1 Matías Agüero
2 Leonardo Ghiraldini
3 Martin Castrogiovanni
4 Joshua Furno
5 George Biagi
6 Alessandro Zanni
7 Francesco Minto
8 Sergio Parisse (c)

16 Andrea Manici
17 Alberto de Marchi
18 Dario Chistolini
19 Marco Fuser
20 Marco Barbini
21 Guglielmo Palazzani
22 Tommaso Allan
23 Giovanbattista Venditti

IRELAND

15 Rob Kearney
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Jared Payne
12 Robbie Henshaw
11 Simon Zebo
10 Ian Keatley
9 Conor Murray

1 Jack McGrath
2 Rory Best
3 Mike Ross
4 Devin Toner
5 Paul O'Connell (c)
6 Peter O'Mahony
7 Sean O'Brien
8 Jordi Murphy

16 Sean Cronin
17 James Cronin
18 Martin Moore
19 Iain Henderson
20 Tommy O'Donnell
21 Isaac Boss
22 Ian Madigan
23 Felix Jones

Quality thread, Notch old socks.

Tight first half, with Italy disrupting the set piece and Ireland to score a couple in the second half to pull away when Italy tire in the last 15.

Think this will be closer than last year and won't be straightforward opener for Ireland.

Big pressure on Madigan/Keatley and whether they can nail the goals.

Always hard to start at Italy away - it's the game the Italians always fancy themslelves to have a chance in - hopefully a comfortable win but I don't think it will be without a scare on the way.

Irish Londoner wrote:Always hard to start at Italy away - it's the game the Italians always fancy themslelves to have a chance in - hopefully a comfortable win but I don't think it will be without a scare on the way.

The game will be tight for the first 50/60 minutes but I don't think we'll get a scare on the way. We'll be comfortable for most of the match without ever really pulling far away but I don't think the win will ever be in doubt. At no point do i think we'll be behind except an early penalty. We'll win by 10-15 points and our bench could make a real difference with potentially the likes of Cronin, Moore, Henderson, SOB, Earls etc coming on.

Unless comfortably and safely ahead, Ireland will empty their bench in the last 30 minutes and turn the plucky Italians into tiramisu.

Mmmm. Tiramisu.

Let's hope that Campagnaro is playing to at least given Henshaw someone worthy to turn into pate. Mmmm. Pate.

George Carlin wrote:Unless comfortably and safely ahead, Ireland will empty their bench in the last 30 minutes and turn the plucky Italians into tiramisu.

Mmmm. Tiramisu.

Let's hope that Campagnaro is playing to at least given Henshaw someone worthy to turn into pate. Mmmm. Pate.

That was tastefully put!

I can't argue with anything that's already been said. It'll be a tough, physical battle for 50 minutes or so as is expected from the Italians.

Did someone mention tiramisu? Mmmmmm Tiramisu.

We don't want the first match to be easy anyway, we need to be challenged to get the troops battle hardened. New levels will need to be reached if we are to retain the title but a good display would keep me happy before we lift the cup later in the year

Pate as well George? Fois Gras.....mmmmmm. Cruel but mmmmmm.

I'm waiting for news later in the week about whether or not Heaslip is available. I think that without him and Sexton, we might struggle a bit. But he's expected to make it.

He'll be in the oxygen tent drinking wolverine juice as we speak.

I just hope we aren't complacent  -traditionally Ireland always lose the 1st round of the 6N when all the provinces win their final group games in Europe...ok Leinster drew but the point stands.

Notch wrote:I'm waiting for news later in the week about whether or not Heaslip is available. I think that without him and Sexton, we might struggle a bit. But he's expected to make it.

Wow, thought everyone thought Heaslip was rubbish. I think he is a key player but I reckon we have good enough replacements to see us through Italy.

GunsGerms wrote:

Notch wrote:I'm waiting for news later in the week about whether or not Heaslip is available. I think that without him and Sexton, we might struggle a bit. But he's expected to make it.

Wow, thought everyone thought Heaslip was rubbish. I think he is a key player but I reckon we have good enough replacements to see us through Italy.

Not me, I think he is an absolutely key player. He does so much to just make things run smoothly. We would be doing better without him if we had a fully-fit Sean O'Brien and Chris Henry. I still think we have a good back row in his absence and can win without him but I honestly think it would change the margin of the scoreline, you'd have O'Mahony at 8 and them maybe Henderson and Murphy together. An untested combination, loads of talent and exciting in terms of potential but will not gel as smoothly and maybe Italy will be able to do a bit more to slow our ball down and then the game just becomes slower, closer, more attritional... When you say people think Heaslip is rubbish, its probably because he doesn't contribute spectacular youtube-worthy clips but the extra bit he adds in so many areas is key.

Oh dear... It does sound rather speculative at least.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/seán-o-brien-could-be-thrown-in-against-italy-due-to-heaslip-doubts-1.2090171

That sounds like good news to me.

"Then again, they would say that, wouldn’t they? To do otherwise, ie to admit they were using this fixture to further ease players back to full fitness, would be an insult to the Italians"

I would very much doubt it if anyone in the Irish camp see the Italy game as a training run to break the guys in. There's always that memory of 2013 still very fresh in their minds despite the more comfortable scoreline last year.

I am getting very, very excited about this six nations. My current high could be setting me up for a large fall but I do think we have the best formula for success than we've had for many years.

Pete330v2 wrote:I can't argue with anything that's already been said. It'll be a tough, physical battle for 50 minutes or so as is expected from the Italians.

Did someone mention tiramisu? Mmmmmm Tiramisu.

We don't want the first match to be easy anyway, we need to be challenged to get the troops battle hardened. New levels will need to be reached if we are to retain the title but a good display would keep me happy before we lift the cup later in the year

Pate as well George? Fois Gras.....mmmmmm. Cruel but mmmmmm.

Surely it matters more to get O'Brien some game time than to risk Heaslip if he clearly isn't match-ready?

Pete330v2 wrote: I do think we have the best formula for success than we've had for many years.

Definitely - Schmidts ruthless process orientated drive for perfection is the perfect approach for the traditional fragile Irish psyche and lack of natural athleticism.

The players won't even be thinking about the title or even beating Italy, only going out and executing everything to perfection for the duration of the game and knowing that if they don't they could well get the chop regardless of the result -and that Schmidt will be analysing everything on and off the ball and pulling it apart.

O'Connell was saying how much he's enjoyed it recently, that drive for improvement session on session and also that they didn't even review the Autumn in the xmas camp -they just immediately focused on the game plan for Italy.

Someone pointed out that Leinster peaked in Schmidt's second year, so hopefully we will see the same.

rodders wrote:traditional fragile Irish psyche and lack of natural athleticism

You've crushed me with that statement and if you were here I'd get of my mobility scooter and slap you weakly across the face!

If Heaslip is not fully fit then no way should he play. His fitness is more important than short term glory against (well no other words for it that) a very weak Italian side that Ireland should beat by 20+ points. No need to risk further injury against the Italians.

Watched last years game against Wales last night to whet the appetite for this weekend. Should be a pile of nerves come Saturday afternoon, couldn't have it any other way.

Murray Kinsella's team prediction:
15. Rob Kearney
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Jared Payne
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Simon Zebo
10. Ian Keatley
9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Devin Toner
5. Paul O’Connell
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Sean O’Brien/Jordi Murphy
8. Jordi Murphy/Jamie Heaslip

When's the team announced?

I want a Strictly No Irish Dancing game - anything else will be a bonus.

No ceile stuff from the backs when they receive - either run from the off or hand the ball back to the opposition.

Team announcement tomorrow lunchtime.

Mickado wrote:Watched last years game against Wales last night to whet the appetite for this weekend. Should be a pile of nerves come Saturday afternoon, couldn't have it any other way.

Nerves Mick?
Is it any wonder?
Every time we 'expect', the Irish squad goes into freefall.

Ireland most definately 'expects'

Pile of nerves against a cannon fodder side that will be obliterated by England and Wales and probably France?

Yep - I'm happy enough with that.  We Irish certainly haven't let 3rd place in the World rankings get to us.  We're still oppressed with self-doubt.  

The omens are good

- which is terrifying !!! -as good omens usually mean lost games.............

Actually, and a tad more seriously, I think that's another thing the Irish should bring with them - as a fear factor thing.  

Bring with them the knowledge that they are 3rd in the world and that five other nations now want to take that from them.  Be proud of 3rd, don't evade it; and have a fear of giving up the plaudit too easily (as the New Zealanders say they always bring that fear in with them) ... make each of the five bastards fight long and hard to steal it away from us.

rapidsnowman wrote:

rodders wrote:traditional fragile Irish psyche and lack of natural athleticism

You've crushed me with that statement and if you were here I'd get of my mobility scooter and slap you weakly across the face!

It's true though - sure look a Mickado, he's in a panic watching a game from last year he already knows we've won - you'd never get that from the Welsh - they'd be watching it still convinced they'd put 40 points on us.

Got some bad news, mad dog Madigan isn't starting. Is there any point in even watching the game?

Can we just pause this thread for a moment to give Sergio Parisse due credit for marrying Mrs Parisse:


As you were.

George Carlin wrote:Can we just pause this thread for a moment to give Sergio Parisse due credit for marrying Mrs Parisse:


As you were.

You know they are divorced. (In 2013)

She cheated on him with a chef. (Well the word on the street)

Welly wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Can we just pause this thread for a moment to give Sergio Parisse due credit for marrying Mrs Parisse:


As you were.

You know they are divorced. (In 2013)

She cheated on him with a chef. (Well the word on the street)

Had no idea. I take it all back. What an eejit.

It must have been his big chopper. And so the world turns.

Parisse has got himself a new wife last year anyway. some chick called Sylvia Bragazzi.

oh dear, what have we done with this thread now

whocares wrote:Parisse has got himself a new wife last year anyway. some chick called Sylvia Bragazzi.

oh dear, what have we done with this thread now

Technically it was me who lowered the tone, WhoCares, so never fear.

My solice is that nobody expects anything better from me. I couldn't stand more earnest hand wringing from my Irish brethren.

You are favourites for the competition. You will turn Italy into a brown stain with a few teeth sticking out.

There is huge expectation and it is valid. Accept it. Be more Welsh about the whole thing.

George Carlin wrote:

whocares wrote:Parisse has got himself a new wife last year anyway. some chick called Sylvia Bragazzi.

oh dear, what have we done with this thread now

Technically it was me who lowered the tone, WhoCares, so never fear.

My solice is that nobody expects anything better from me. I couldn't stand more earnest hand wringing from my Irish brethren.

You are favourites for the competition. You will turn Italy into a brown stain with a few teeth sticking out.

There is huge expectation and it is valid. Accept it. Be more Welsh about the whole thing.

No way man, I need to feel this way, it's like a womb, a womb of facile self depreciation.

Welly wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Can we just pause this thread for a moment to give Sergio Parisse due credit for marrying Mrs Parisse:


As you were.

You know they are divorced. (In 2013)

She cheated on him with a chef. (Well the word on the street)

Vickery's a slick customer - still playing and still pulling.

PredictorofTeams wrote:Got some bad news, mad dog Madigan  isn't starting. Is there any point in even watching the game?

Why would he be starting? Sure he's been garbage for the past few weeks - had his chance at the big time and blew it against the Saxons.

Can still pull a few quid as a Conor McGregor lookalike so no need to feel too bad for him.

George Carlin wrote:

whocares wrote:Parisse has got himself a new wife last year anyway. some chick called Sylvia Bragazzi.

oh dear, what have we done with this thread now

Technically it was me who lowered the tone, WhoCares, so never fear.

My solice is that nobody expects anything better from me. I couldn't stand more earnest hand wringing from my Irish brethren.

You are favourites for the competition. You will turn Italy into a brown stain with a few teeth sticking out.

There is huge expectation and it is valid. Accept it. Be more Welsh about the whole thing.

I feel good about the tournament, I feel like we might win it or be close to winning. I think it will be a hard enough game at the weekend though.

How boring!

rodders wrote:

PredictorofTeams wrote:Got some bad news, mad dog Madigan  isn't starting. Is there any point in even watching the game?

Why would he be starting? Sure he's been garbage for the past few weeks - had his chance at the big time and blew it against the Saxons.

Can still pull a few quid as a Conor McGregor lookalike so no need to feel too bad for him.

As keatley is nearly 30 and has reached potential.

Sob is starting and Murphy no.8

Unchanged team from South Africa game apart from Sob, Murphy and Keatley.

Wouldn't be encouraged to see Ross starting tbh.

rodders wrote:

PredictorofTeams wrote:Got some bad news, mad dog Madigan  isn't starting. Is there any point in even watching the game?

Why would he be starting? Sure he's been garbage for the past few weeks - had his chance at the big time and blew it against the Saxons.

Can still pull a few quid as a Conor McGregor lookalike so no need to feel too bad for him.

I think the bad news was that it seems he'll be starting for France, having been given a week's rest to tidy up the Conor sweep-over.

Now we'll all get to see were these guys holding anything back during the Provincial season so far...or are they truly all genuinely way off-form!

The answer comes soon.

PredictorofTeams wrote:

rodders wrote:

PredictorofTeams wrote:Got some bad news, mad dog Madigan  isn't starting. Is there any point in even watching the game?

Why would he be starting? Sure he's been garbage for the past few weeks - had his chance at the big time and blew it against the Saxons.

Can still pull a few quid as a Conor McGregor lookalike so no need to feel too bad for him.

As keatley is nearly 30 and has reached potential.

What's that got to do with it? Right now Keatley is a better fly half than Madigan.

rodders wrote:

PredictorofTeams wrote:Got some bad news, mad dog Madigan  isn't starting. Is there any point in even watching the game?

Why would he be starting? Sure he's been garbage for the past few weeks - had his chance at the big time and blew it against the Saxons.

Can still pull a few quid as a Conor McGregor lookalike so no need to feel too bad for him.

There is something about blonde lads. Not being racist or anything but they all kinda look alike. Mads, Jordi and Heaslip are all variations on the same theme. McGreggor might make a decent scrum half actually.

God help us, he better be better than that.... because just being better than Madigan right now isn't going to be good enough.

Ross starting is disappointing.

3rd choice at Leinster (and justifiably), yet starts for Ireland...

How did he do against the Saxons anyway, I missed that game? Any use?

PredictorofTeams, what about the bench?

McGrath
Best
Ross!!
Toner
PoC
PoM
SOB
Murphy
Murray
Keatley
Zebo
Henshaw
Payne
Bowe
Kearney

the-goon wrote:PredictorofTeams, what about the bench?

McGrath
Best
Ross!!
Toner
PoC
PoM
SOB
Murphy
Murray
Keatley
Zebo
Henshaw
Payne
Bowe
Kearney

My radar is never as accurate for the bench, but I'm thinking Mads, Hendo, Marty McFly, Redser, Felix, TOD.

5 euro says you're wrong on Felix. Cave on the bench with Payne/Henshaw to cover the back 3.