Six Nations 2024: ‘Ireland remain eligible for back-to-back games, but tougher tests await’

After the frenzy and fireworks in Marseille, one of Ireland’s main priorities ahead of Sunday’s Six Nations match against Italy will be a potential hangover from a famously heart-pounding victory over one of their fiercest rivals. It was to be avoided.

In fact, there was never any doubt about it. Despite some shaky moments and mistakes, Ireland put in a professional and efficient performance, scoring six tries, and were on track for another Grand Slam.

After a period of flatness, Ireland provided enough moments to energize the Dublin crowd, including a superb solo score from James Rowe and Jack Crowley’s first try for club and country.

The Azzurri, who caused Ireland so much trouble in Roma last year, were simply not up to the task.

Ireland already know the score. The mounting pressure, the constant questions about the Grand Slam, the finish line in sight. They went through it all last year. They know how to navigate the various aspects of a Grand Slam bid and most importantly, they know how to get the job done.

Sunday’s performance will not be a revelation for the Irish challengers. They continue to be a surprisingly well-coached unit capable of posting comfortable wins despite operating far below their maximum. They are still the team to beat.

But for Andy Farrell, his 17th straight home win was particularly sweet given the complete shutout of Italy, the first time since 1987 that Ireland had held a team scoreless in a Championship game.

“36-0 is a great scoreline for us,” Farrell said.

“Probably a better scoreline than 50-20. I thought we were clinical at times and I thought our set-pieces were great, top drawer.”

“We got through that pressure and scored some great tries. [wins] It’s been a good start since the second game, but it’s going to get even tougher.”

Farrell’s last three words resonate the most. Ireland beat France away, but will have to negotiate a schedule with their Triple Crown rivals in what is probably the toughest game on paper. Home games against Wales and Scotland are scheduled, with either a trip to Twickenham to face England.

Farrell made six changes and led his team to defeat Italy with little fuss, but there is a sense that all of the heavy hitters will be needed in the coming weeks.

Therefore, the sight of Hugo Keenan limping in the second half must have been very worrying for Irish fans. One of Ireland’s standout players in recent years, Keenan was once again featured as a full-back before his exit.

Things have been quiet for Ireland with captain Peter O’Mahony, Tajig Furlong and Bundy Aki all suffering serious injuries that ruled them out of duty against Italy, and Garry Ringrose missing the first two games. The injured are piling up. squad.

Farrell gives reassurances about Keenan, even though he expects the aforementioned trio to return to training this week, although he cannot afford to suffer further injuries before the Wales international visit Dublin in two weeks’ time. I wasn’t in a position.

“Hugo hit his knee so hard I don’t know,” Farrell said.

“He seems fine, but he was limping, so we’ll check on him tomorrow morning. I don’t know if he needs someone to look at him.”

Some of Farrell’s front liners were absent, but others, including Robbie Henshaw, were present.

Henshaw, who will be the British Irish Lions’ starting center in 2021, has endured some injury troubles but is not necessarily guaranteed a starting spot due to intense competition in midfield.

But after his brilliant performance against France last week, the 30-year-old was once again at the heart of Ireland’s success – even if the smile momentarily disappeared from his face when a late try was called off. Moda.

“He found his mojo and came back,” Farrell said of Henshaw.

“He’s on fire right now. You could see it from the first time I saw him in training. He’s back to his old self.

“His confidence, he’s flying around the place. We talked about the combination with Stu this week.” [McCloskey] The last time we played against Samoa in Biarritz [in a World Cup warm-up] How it wasn’t what it was supposed to be.

“Both guys worked hard today to make the team feel right, and Robbie was definitely at the heart of it.”

It may not have been his best performance, but Sunday will be a big day for Caelan Doris, who became the 110th man to captain Ireland in O’Mahony’s absence.

Given that he is only 25 years old and made his debut for Ireland four years ago, which incidentally was Farrell’s first managerial match, he was a candidate to replace Johnny Sexton as skipper. , which clearly reflects the rise of Doris.

Farrell surprised some by handing over the captaincy to Leinster in the back row, especially with James Ryan in the starting XI, but Doris delivered with his first run-out as leader of the group.

“It was a special game and knowing the group we were in made it even more special,” Doris said, admitting that he was more nervous than usual in preparation for the game.

“We are a close-knit group. We have been together for four years now and our relationship is special.

“The environment the coaches set up for me to be myself and be vulnerable made my job easier and made this week easier. I also relied on the other players a lot.

“I hope everyone involved, from Ballina to Blackrock, sees this and sees me captain my country and takes some pride in it.”