Cian Healy moves on from Ireland's poor start to Six Nations
Wednesday 9 March 2016 17:03, UK
Cian Healy insists Ireland will not let their desperation for a first Six Nations victory cloud their judgement in Saturday's clash with Italy in Dublin.
Frustrated Healy admitted Ireland have been hit hard by two defeats and a draw in their failed bid for a third successive Six Nations title.
The Leinster prop vowed Ireland will not desert long-held principles against the Azzurri, however, despite the pressing need for a win at the Aviva Stadium.
Italy lock Quintin Geldenhuys has freely admitted Jacques Brunel's men will seek to capitalise on Ireland's poor form - but Healy remained unfazed amid the pressure for a result.
"It is a big thing for us not having a win so far but it is not going to change our game plan," said Healy. "We are very confident in what we do, how we train and how it is all put together.
We have a lot of pride in what we do. We wouldn't want to be losing to anyone in Dublin.
"We are just working on the latter stages of our phases and keeping them as strong as possible."
Ireland's 16-16 draw with Wales in Dublin has preserved head coach Joe Schmidt's unbeaten Six Nations home record.
Subsequent defeats in France and England put paid to any hopes of a third consecutive crown, so now Ireland are fighting to restore their pride.
British and Irish Lions prop Healy missed Ireland's games against Wales and France due to knee trouble but is now keen for a strong finish when Italy and Scotland visit Dublin.
"I am not even treating it like that," said Healy, when asked if Ireland would take a no-panic approach into the weekend.
"I haven't played at home. It is a new one for me coming in. To me it is the first home game of the tournament, and that's how I'm treating it.
"We have a lot of pride in what we do. We wouldn't want to be losing to anyone in Dublin.
"It is something that we have been trying to build on for the last couple of years, to make our home a very hard place for people to come to, and we don't want that to change."
