Italy lock Quintin Geldenhuys targets Six Nations win over Ireland
Wednesday 9 March 2016 09:46, UK
Italy lock Quintin Geldenhuys has challenged his side to increase the pressure on Ireland when they play them in the Six Nations on Sunday.
Ireland won the tournament in 2014 and 2015 but will not repeat the feat this year, having picked up just one point from their opening three games.
The Azzurri travel to the Aviva Stadium looking to capitalise on Ireland's stuttering form, knowing victory could even save them from picking up the Wooden Spoon at their opponents' expense.
"Ireland are under pressure, a situation they are not really used to," said South African-born Geldenhuys, as Italy look to secure only their second ever win in Dublin.
"We must further increase this pressure once we're on the field. We have the opportunity to go and play a great game.
"We have the chance now to produce a great match against, and impose our own game on Ireland."
Italy's only previous victory in Dublin came in a 37-29 victory in 1997, and the Azzurri have beaten Ireland just once in the two sides' last 21 meetings, a 22-15 triumph in Rome in 2013.
Head coach Jacques Brunel will leave his post at the end of the Six Nations, with Harlequins boss Conor O'Shea favourite to take over in the summer.
Italy have slipped to consecutive defeats to France, England and Scotland, but Geldenhuys still believes they can cause a shock in the Irish capital.
"Our defeats to France and England were decided by specific moments that changed the games," he added.
"We suffered a bit more against Scotland but we are in a good place and can produce something big in Ireland."
