Brian O’Driscoll’s record-setting run continues as he becomes the first player to win 140 test caps, running out in Dublin for the final time in a green jersey. The achievement is sure to overshadow result of the match, which should be in little doubt given that Italy had been sizeable underdogs even before naming their side absent their two best players, Alessandro Zanni and captain Sergio Parisse. Both are struggling with injury and Jacques Brunel has opted not to risk them in the hopes they might be in better shape to face England in Rome.
Marco Bortolami has been summoned from the bench to lead the side and fill in for Zanni, with Joshua Furno sliding to the flank, a position he has appeared often at Biarritz. Robert Barbieri moves to no8, where he has played most of his rugby with Treviso this season, and Paul Derbyshire comes in on the flank with Mauro Bergamasco still absent with a calf injury. The front row remains the same with Martin Castrogiovanni now edging ahead of Parisse as Italy’s most capped player on 105.
An old-new halfback pairing is on the table, as Luciano Orquera swaps jerseys with Tommaso Allan, and Ospreys scrumhalf Tito Tebaldi gets a run at no9 for the first time since June of 2012. The rest of the side is the same, though Michele Rizzo has returned from suspension to take a spot on the bench, where he is joined by Antonio Pavanello and Manoa Vosawai. Veteran utility back Andrea Masi has proved his fitness at Wasps and is added at the expense of Tommaso Iannone.
Joe Schmidt has retained virtually the same side throughout the championship, with the only change coming at flank where injured Peter O’Mahony is replaced by Iain Henderson. While O’Mahony’s mongrel might be missed, Henderson is considerably bigger and no less mobile. If he can prove himself against the physical Italians this could be a big step towards a World Cup spot for the youngster.
Jonny Sexton’s thumb problems have apparently calmed down enough for him to retain the no10 jersey, a relief to Irish fans though they might be wishing he was left on the bench with the massive game in Paris still ahead. Should Ireland rack up a good score quickly, don’t be surprised to see Paddy Jackson on as early as halftime. Rhys Ruddock takes the vacant forward spot on the bench, while Eoin Reddan has returned to fitness and takes over from Isaac Boss as reserve halfback.
Italy have virtually run up the white flag in this one, so there is next to zero chance of a repeat of last year’s result in Rome. With that in mind, it will all be about performance in the eyes of Joe Schmidt. Ireland need to put points on the board early and often to give them the best shot at a the title next week, so ruthless will be a keyword slathered around their dressing room. They won’t be able to one-up their record 55-point margin against the Azzurri, but a spread of 30 points is within their grasp if they play well.
IRELAND vs ITALY
Saturday, March 8, 14:30 GMT, Dublin
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Assistants: Pascal Gauzere (FFR) & Greg Garner (RFU)
TMO: Geoff Warren (RFU)
