Ireland will look to get back to winning ways in the Guinness Six Nations as they welcome Italy to the Aviva Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Andy Farrell’s side saw their Grand Slam hopes go up in smoke in Paris two weeks ago as they were dismantled by a classy French side.
Ireland were beaten 30-24 by a powerful French side at Stade De France as, despite a second-half fightback, they came up just short.
Tries from Mack Hansen, Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park gave Ireland a chance but the home side ran out deserved winners.
Italy, who have lost both of their games so far, will be no pushover but Ireland will know that if they play to their levels then a win will be forthcoming.
With France easing to a bonus-point win over Scotland on Saturday, Ireland will need a big win to keep in touch and hope the championship leaders slip up.
What date is the match?
Sunday, February 27, 2022.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is 1.45pm.
Where is the match?
Aviva Stadium, Dublin 4.
Who is the referee?
The referee is Nika Amashukeli, the first Georgian referee ever in the Six Nations.
Are there tickets available?
Tickets are still available from Ticketmaster .
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast live on Virgin Media One.
Can I stream it online?
It is available on the Virgin Media Player.
Who are they key players to watch?
Andy Farrell has taken the chance to make a few changes for the game and one player Irish fans will be particularly keen to watch is Michael Lowry.
The Ulster full back has been in scintillating form for the northern province this season and will look to take his quick-stepping form into the international arena.
For Italy, everything goes through Paolo Garbisi at out-half, and he’s the one that makes them tick.
If the Italians, managed by former Connacht boss Kieran Crowley, are to have any chance of an upset he will need to be firing.
Quotes Corner:
Farrell said: “This is a proper Test match that means an awful lot to everyone in this group, so there’s a responsibility to this group to perform to the highest level.
“Yes, there are one or two changes. But that’s not to say for one second that we don’t expect to be anything but our best. That’s our expectation and that’s how the lads feel about it.”
Crowley said: “We have prepared the next meeting by focusing on the aspects of the game that did not satisfy us in the first two games.
“We face the next commitment with energy and the desire to improve. It will be a physically tough match against one of the strongest teams in the world.”
Betting:
Ireland 1/200; Draw 100/1; Italy 66/1.
