Ireland v Italy: Key talking points ahead of Six Nations clash

Jamie Heaslip tackles Sergio Parisse during Ireland's Rugby World Cup victory over Italy last October

Ireland are expected to register their first win of a disappointing Six Nations campaign when Italy visit the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

A lengthy injury list and lack of cutting edge in attack quickly quashed Ireland's three-in-a-row hopes, but successive home games against the Azzurri and Scotland presents Joe Schmidt's men with the chance to sign off with two victories.

Italy have only won once in Dublin, a 37-29 success in 1997, and the 24-point handicap underlines their slim chances of repeating that feat.

Ireland should end a four-game winless streak but will it be smooth sailing for Joe Schmidt's men? Let's look at five key talking points.

Conservative coach

Joe Schmidt has been criticised for not experimenting against Italy

A large number of Ireland supporters took to social media to vent their frustrations following Thursday's team announcement.

Schmidt ignored calls for Jared Payne to be given a chance at full-back, the position where he has starred for Ulster, instead restoring him to the midfield.

Stuart McCloskey, the form centre in Ireland who impressed on his debut at Twickenham, drops out of the match-day 23, with Robbie Henshaw moving to 12.

You know what’s coming from Italy, it hasn’t changed over the years. Their pack isn’t as strong as it used to be so take Sergio Parisse out of the game, put pressure on the half-backs and you win the match.

Dewi Morris

Paddy Jackson's international exile continues, with Fergus McFadden's versatility seemingly giving him the nod over in-form players like McCloskey, Craig Gilroy and Matt Healy.

"There are defensive signs rather than attacking signs from Ireland, which is slightly disappointing," said Dewi Morris.

"Stuart McCloskey's form for Ulster has been outstanding. The more game time he gets at international level the better.

"I would have expected better from Joe Schmidt because Italy are there for the taking."

Payne staying put

Joe Schmidt has insisted Jared Payne is too important to Ireland's defence at outside centre

After the Six Nations, Ireland's fixture list for the remainder of 2016 consists of a three-Test summer tour of South Africa and back-to-back games against the All Blacks in November, with Canada and Australia also visiting Dublin.

With the exception of the Canadians there is not much room for experimentation. If Schmidt is unwilling to give players a chance against Italy, it's unlikely he will do so in the Highveld or against the world champions.

Killer instinct

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Alex Payne gives his top betting tips ahead of Ireland's clash with Italy

Ireland have scored two tries in this Six Nations. Both have come from Conor Murray, both from a yard out.

They have been creating chances but the problems arise when they get inside the opposition 22. Ireland have become predictable and the sight of green shirts running into a brick wall of French defenders in round two highlighted a lack of confidence in attack.

Ireland have scored more than two tries against tier one opposition on just one occasion since November 2014. That came in the crazy final day of last year's Six Nations against Scotland.

A lack of tries should not be an issue against the Italy but unless Ireland start crossing the whitewash with more regularity they are staring at six defeats to the southern hemisphere powerhouses later this year.

Fatigue factor

Italy conceded three tries in their 36-20 loss to Scotland in round three

While Ireland have become predictable in attack, Italy's performances also have a familiar feel.

The Azzurri remain competitive for an hour but fall away in the final 20 minutes when their lack of depth is exposed by their opponents.

Italy have not scored a try against Ireland since their last trip to Dublin in 2014 but there was little to choose between the teams during their World Cup clash in October, where Italy exposed Ireland out wide on occasion.

That performance has given Italy hope and Quintin Geldenhuys has challenged his team-mates to increase the pressure on Ireland, but unless the lock and his fellow replacements can make a significant impact from the bench they are once again destined to fall short.

Centre stage

Michele Campagnaro is the star performer in the Italy backline

Payne's return to the Irish midfield at the expense of McCloskey has been the big talking point ahead of Saturday's contest but it is Italy's centre combination have been one of their major positives.

Michele Campagnaro's performances have shown why Exeter secured his services last summer. The 22-year-old has made six clean breaks in this year's championship, more than any other player. The rest of his team-mates have made nine clean breaks between them.

Beside Campagnaro is Gonzalo Garica, a strong ball carrier with soft hands who also works his socks off in defence.

Unfortunately for the pair, Italy's problems at half-back remain. Edoardo Padovani makes his first start at fly-half alongside Zebre team-mate Guglielmo Palazzani, who replaces the injured Edoardo Gori.

Set piece struggles

Ireland lost four of their own lineouts against England

The lineout has been an area of real strength for Ireland down through the years, and it is no surprise that Paul O'Connell's retirement has seen the Irish set piece falter.

Ireland lost three of their own throws in the England 22 and four in total. Rory Best and Devin Toner are still forming an understanding but the lineout problems mean Ireland have not been able to execute their strong mauling game.

Also, Ireland's scrum struggles resulted in the concession of tries against Wales and France. And although Mike Ross's return shored it up against England, the 36-year-old is unlikely to be Ireland's starting tighthead in Japan in 2019. Replacement Nathan White is no spring chicken either and struggled in the first two fixtures.

Italy's pack may have lost some of its fear factor but it remains one of their strengths. With Cian Healy ruled out through injury, Connacht loosehead Finlay Bealham can expect a tough first assignment when sprung from the bench.

Ireland: 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray; 1 Jack McGrath, 2 Rory Best (c), 3 Mike Ross, 4 Donnacha Ryan, 5 Devin Toner, 6 CJ Stander, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Finlay Bealham, 18 Nathan White, 19 Ultan Dillane, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Fergus McFadden.

Italy: 15 David Odiete, 14 Leonardo Sarto, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mattia Bellini, 10 Edoardo Padovani, 9 Guglielmo Palazzani, 1 Andrea Lovotti, 2 Davide Giazzon, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 4 George Biagi, 5 Marco Fuser, 6 Francesco Minto, 7 Alessandro Zanni, 8 Sergio Parisse (c).

Replacements: 16 Oliviero Fabiani, 17 Matteo Zanusso, 18 Dario Chistolini, 19 Quintin Geldenhuys, 20 Abraham Steyn, 21 Alberto Lucchese, 22 Kelly Haimona, 23 Luke McLean.