Italians in for a torrid time

Ireland Under 21 coach Ciaran Fitzgerald spoke of the value of keeping together his charges for tonight's game in Musgrave Park, irrespective of the fact that the only doubt surrounding the outcome is the final margin of victory.

Italy under-21s were beaten 95-0 by Wales in their most recent outing and while the Welsh are unbeaten this season and indeed won the Grand Slam at the underage grade last year, it highlights the limitations of the Italians. A more relevant comparison can be gleaned from the fact that Scotland beat Italy by over 60 points while Ireland thrashed the Scots 41-8.

Fitzgerald's premise is that this game allows him to develop the patterns and hone the style of play that his team has adopted since their first match against England. In both that game and the Scottish match Ireland played a refreshing brand of expansive rugby. Gordon D'Arcy was excellent in the last outing, both in basic functions and for his more celebrated counter-attacking qualities. Old Belvedere's Simon Keogh has been a revelation on the left wing while Jeremy Staunton is playing with a maturity and confidence that compliments his flair.

Blackrock College prop Niall Treston produced a man of the match performance against the Scots and finds himself in a pack by mobility and a strong, abrasive edge. Anything other than a comprehensive victory would mean that the team underachieved.

Meanwhile the Ireland Under-19 team take on their Italian counterparts at Anglesea Road at 11.45 tomorrow morning, part of both sides' preparations for the forthcoming FIRA under-19 World Championships in France.