ROME: Champions Ireland head to Rome on Sunday looking to build momentum in their stuttering Six Nations title defence with a big win over underdogs Italy who have been hit by the absence of captain Sergio Parisse.
Italy’s task was already difficult before skipper Parisse suffered concussion while playing for his club Stade Francais last Saturday. For Italy coach Conor O’Shea, a former Ireland full-back, it now looks like mission impossible against his home country ranked second in the world behind New Zealand.
Italy have not won a Six Nations game in four years with defeats against Scotland (33-20) and Wales (26-15) this campaign bringing that tally up to 19 consecutive games.
Ireland — the 2018 Grand Slam winners — are fourth in the Six Nations table having beaten Scotland (22-13) in their last match after losing their opener to England (32-20).
Both sides last met in Chicago in November, when Ireland ran out 54-7 winners.
A big win over the Italians would give Schmidt’s side a boost before hosting France in Dublin on March 10, with their finale against Wales in Cardiff the following week. Despite the calibre of the opposition Schmidt has made just four changes — all in the pack — leaving the backs unchanged with first-choice half-back pair Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton. Hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini, capped 101 times, takes the Azzurri captain’s armband for the 17th time.
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