Six Nations: Italy coach Jacques Brunel determined to start well against Ireland

Italy coach Jacques Brunel is determined to get off to a positive start to the Six Nations against Ireland on Saturday.

The 2014 wooden spoon winners host Joe Schmidt's improving Ireland side as underdogs - but Brunel is hoping to make a statement at the Stadio Flaminio.

"It's true that 2014 was difficult, mainly because of our lack of efficiency," added Brunel.

"Over the past two years we suffered two last-minute defeats to Scotland, two narrow defeats to Argentina, pushed England to the brink at Twickenham, and in June suffered defeat to Japan and Fiji in matches we should have won.

"We had the chance to beat Argentina, against South Africa we were trailing only 15-6 at half-time and on a par with the second best team in the world.

"That makes about six or seven games we lost out on through our lack of efficiency. The results are there, but there is a very thin line between the 2014 we had and what it could have been.

"Our performances in November gave us a bit more reassurance, even though the results weren't good."

Despite his positive outlook, Brunel admits the loss of influential lock forward Quintin Geldenhuys is a serious blow to his squad.

He added: "He was like the pulse of our pack because he gave us consistency.

"These games will give us important reference points and the team who wins these game will emerge a little more confident.

"It's a year in which we have three home games, so we owe it to ourselves to win at home. I'm convinced we're not that far off the other big nations.

"But for us to win, we need 100 percent precision and 100 percent efficiency. We can't afford to be at 70 of 80 percent."