Josh van der Flier has been here before. Roll back six years to the start of the 2018 Men’s Six Nations and the late drama provided by Jonathan Sexton’s magical, match-winning drop goal at the Stade de France. Clearing the first round hurdle of France away gives a team massive momentum as leaders Ireland prepare to host Italy in the second round of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3pm). Ireland have won 23 of their previous 24 Six Nations matches against Italy. Van Der Flier said:
“Step-By-Step Approach Is Key, although it was a brilliant start”
At same time, try-scoring winger Calvin Nash has revealed the influence that Andy Farrell and Keith Earls had in calming his nerves ahead of his Guinness Men’s Six Nations debut. Nash notched a 45th-minute try at the end of a pulsating multi-phase attack, as deft handling from Robbie Henshaw and Caelan Doris got the ball free.
Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt believes Italy took a positive first step forward under new head coach Gonzalo Quesada last Saturday, despite ultimately losing 27-24 to England in their opening Guinness Men’s Six Nations match. As an attack specialist, Catt was particularly impressed with the Azzurri’s dynamic first half performance.