Italy v Ireland: Six Nations match preview, tips and TV times

ITV & Virgin One, 3pm Sunday

Ireland have topped the 50-point mark in their last four matches against Italy, comfortably covering the 29-point handicap they have been set by bookmakers for this clash in Rome, and all the ingredients and motivation are there for another demolition job.

Ireland will be disappointed by their start, losing to England without even a bonus point and then missing out on a fourth try and a bonus point in victory over Scotland.

Coach Joe Schmidt has made changes to rest a few names and bring in a few squad players. But he has limited his tinkering to the pack, leaving a strong backline intact, marshalled by fly-half Johnny Sexton. who has recovered from the injury that forced him off against the Scots two weeks ago.

And there has to be every chance of the Irish backs cutting loose against an Italian defence who leaked five tries to Scotland before hitting back with one of their own and have shown a worrying lack of organisation and discipline.

The Azzurri held out against Wales for an hour in round two, but they were up against a much-changed and unfamiliar line-up and also managed to disrupt their attacking flow by disrupting their line-out effectively.

The man at the centre of Italy's line-out success was, of course, their skipper Sergio Parisse, who is at the centre of practically everything they do. So it's a huge blow for the Azzurri that their highly experienced number eight is sidelined through injury, the worst possible news that the hosts could have faced.

There is some consolation for Italy that scrum-half Tito Tebaldi is fit, and fly-half Tommaso Allan is looking increasingly assured. But they look set to face a fired-up Ireland side who want to put their doubters in their place and without Parisse the Azzurri may lack the backbone to hold out.

Among the changes to the Ireland pack, skipper Rory Best is rested so Sean Cronin gets a rare start. The Leinster hooker has won 58 of his 67 caps off the bench and his tally of six tries for his country isn't huge.

But he has shone for his province this season with five tries in seven Pro14 matches and six in Europe. He is often at the tail of the line-out drive, makes strong bursts and is also an industrious support runner.

Recommendations
Ireland -29
3pts Evs general
S Cronin to score a try
2pts Evs Sky Bet

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