Jack Connan expects Italy to be a test for the Irish defense after defeating France in Marseille last weekend.
Andy Farrell’s side began their path to a second successive Grand Slam with a resounding 38-17 victory over Les Bleus.
Ireland’s next challenge is against Italy in the Six Nations on Sunday, but Connan believes they need to be wary of the Azzurri threat.
different challenges
“France didn’t attack particularly well, they didn’t really challenge us, to be honest,” he told reporters.
“We know it was a big win, but it will be a big challenge for us defensively as Italy have a completely different attacking scheme, playing from everywhere and taking every chance.”
Italy have a new head coach, Gonzalo Quesada, and there was immediate improvement as they scored two excellent tries in the first half against England.
Although the Azzurri were unable to build up a 17-8 advantage at one point, Conan felt Quesada’s team showed what it is capable of.
“They’re a quality team. Some of the tries they scored against England at the weekend were more than capable of scalping a few,” he said.
“There are no easy games and we have no illusions that this will be a tough one because we feel it’s coming.”
One person in particular who will be key in stopping Italy’s momentum is talented young lock Joe McCarthy.
Leinster’s second row were excellent against France, both from loose plays and set pieces, and Connan praised the 22-year-old’s performance.
“Yeah, when the big guy is trying to beat people up and destroy malls and things, I’m just trying to keep that big guy out of the way,” the experienced forward said.
“He’s a guy who’s good at standing on his own two feet when he’s training, so I can only imagine what he’s like when he’s beating teams and mauls and stuff like that.
“To be fair to Joe, he did incredibly well for a man his age.
“And I think he adds something very different with his size and his style of play. He’s just a big dick, you know, just sticking together with people, and he’s a great guy. There is also.”
A different person off the field.
Conan added: “What’s interesting is that when you see him causing havoc on the pitch and just destroying things, he’s such a calm, calm guy in training.”
“He has a very cheerful, witty personality and can turn on and go out and destroy rucks and mauls and things like that.
“I think he’s a player who has improved tremendously over the last few months and it’s great to see that.
“He’s an incredibly hard-working guy, so I’m sure the sky is the limit for him. We’re just starting to scratch the surface of what he’s capable of.”
read more: Nick Easter’s Six Nations prediction: One win away card