Italy vs. Ireland: Six Nations

Ireland head to Rome on Sunday with a slimmer of hope of retaining their Six Nations title. Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt has made four changes to his starting team to face Italy. Leinster hooker Sean Cronin will make his first Six Nations start on the occasion of his 68th cap and Munster forward Peter O’ Mahony will captain Ireland in the Six Nations for the first time. 

In their four previous meetings, Ireland have topped the 50-point mark and have all the motivation to secure another wide margin victory at the Stadio Olimpico. Ireland will be in search of securing a try-scoring bonus point after missing out on a crucial extra point against Scotland following their three tries.

The Azzurri have been beaten by Scotland and Wales through two rounds and face a fired up Ireland team looking to get themselves back up towars the top of the table. Without the presence of their talisman Sergio Parisse, the Italians might not be able to withstand the pressure that Ireland will exert on the home side over the course of the 80 minutes.

KEY STATS

Italy will be looking to recreate the result from 2013, when they beat Ireland 22-15 at the Stadio Olimpico with help from a try for Giovanbattista Venditti.

Ireland have enjoyed 57 percent of possession in their matches so far, but only 38 percent of territory.

Jacob Stockdale has carried the ball more metres than any other Ireland player (138m) and has made the most clean breaks (four).