Ireland vs Italy – Irish outlook for 2010 RBS Six Nations

Team: Ireland

Ireland v Italy Stats (All time)
Ireland – W14, D0, L3
Biggest Winning Margin against Italy: 61-6
Largest Losing Margin against Italy: 37-22
2009 Six Nations Result: Italy 9, Ireland 38

Chances: The current champions are favourites at most online bookmakers to go out and retain their title. There is a lot to be argued for the fact that they can do it. They look and accomplished side, and have the power and experience in all areas of the team. If there is one thing which can be said against them, then remember how England were always dubbed “Dad’s Army” as they were rolling towards World Cup triumph, in the same year that they cruised to the Grand Slam in the Six Nations. It’s fair to say that that status can be passed on to Ireland. If you are looking for weaknesses in the Irish game, then it could be in the area of pack and midfield speed. Yes, they undoubtedly have world class players, and the Irish domestic game, along with the Welsh, is in a much better state than the English domestic scene. They constantly blood new talent through their ranks, and the Irish sides are always a handful in European competition. Do the Irish have the legs over the likes of England and France? That will be the big question over the 2010 RBS Six Nations tournament.

They will need to keep level heads if they are to retain their title, and let’s not forget they did struggle at some crucial times during last year’s campaign. The 13-12 result against England could have been very different, and when it came down to the crunch decider against Wales, they looked decidedly nervy, perhaps being over confident in their own abilities. They need to keep their feet on the ground and stick to what they do best. Ronan O’Gara is back in midfield, and that will give them a boost, as the big crunch fixture for Ireland this year, is when they have to travel to Paris to take on the French. The fixture list hasn’t been that kind to the Irish this year, as they also have to go to Twickenham to play England. So, if the new “Dad’s Army” are going to retain their Six Nations crown, they are going to have to do it the hard way. Can they do it? They have the team spirit and right management to do it. While they are the dominant force, it’s still hard to see them getting their way entirely with the French and the English pushing hard.

Key Man: Rob Kearney. One of the outstanding players last year at full back. His ability in the air to take high balls was phenomenal, backed up by good strength and a running game. There will be expectations and pressure upon him to be completely infallible again this year. He is a star player in amongst a wealth of other top quality players. The position he plays however, burdens a lot of responsibility, and his steadfastness and confidence can ease the rest of the 14 players in front of him.

Outright Six Nations Odds
5/2 at BetFred

Ireland v Italy Match Odds
Ireland to win: 1/33 at BetFred
Draw: 50/1 at Bet365
Italy to win: 22/1 at SportingBet