The former Munster and Ireland flanker thinks Andy Farrell’s man need to “batten down the hatches” after the France defeat and make sure it’s a home win on Saturday
Ireland’s David Wallace scores a try vs Italy in 2009(Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)
Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Italy this weekend could prove to be our toughest test at home for the Championship.
That’s according to former Munster and Ireland flanker David Wallace, who thinks Andy Farrell’s man need to “batten down the hatches” after the France defeat and make sure it’s a home win on Saturday. He told Dublin Live: “[Italy] are a real dangerous prospect for Ireland this weekend – I think it’ll be the Ireland’s toughest game in this Six Nations at home.
“It is a little bit of a case of batten down the hatches and try and just win this game. People really respect Italy, and know that they’re very capable of turning over Ireland, even at home, and especially based on the result last week.
“You’d expect a bit of a response from Ireland. It’s not like a dead rubber game where everyone expects you to beat Italy, where if you beat them people just go ‘ah sure, it’s only Italy’.
“I think it would be a great win based on the current circumstances.” The 49-year-old watched the Italians beat Scotland 18-15 in Rome last weekend, and came away impressed with how their game management has improved.
He said: “Italy are actually a really entertaining team to watch as well, which is great. They’ve always had a bit of bit of flair, but they seem to be managing games now for the full 80.
“Scotland tried to come back at the end, but it was disappointing from Scotland. I think they showed that they could hold on to the ball and get through phases and play at a higher tempo when their backs were at the wall coming to the end of the game. But they need to start these Six Nations games like they finish.
“But Italy, again, full credit to them. They’re a dangerous team. They’ve phenomenal players, the likes of Lynagh and Ioane and Menoncello – I thought he was outstanding.”
David Wallace speaking with Dublin Live via racing betting at NetBet Sport.
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