Wait nearly over for Irish

The team has been inactive since losing to Wales on the opening weekend of the tournament and are eager to resume with a win in Dublin.

Leinster centre Gordon D'Arcy said: "You'll never be happy losing a game like ours against Wales, it leaves you with a real sick feeling.

"You carry a little bit of that feeling into the next match and it is a motivating factor, but it's gone and nothing we can do will change it.

"We have to focus on Italy, who will provide a different set of challenges.

"The new (Italy) coach has come in and developed what Nick Mallett has done.

"He's taken the mainstay of their game, the physical attributes like then ruck, maul and scrum, and added a more expansive game.

"Fly-half now seems to be the directional figure for the team and the 15 also seems to have a free role to so what he wants, popping off the nine and centres.

"They are definitely trying to be less predictable. For us we look at what they do and defend it.

"We need a determined mind-set and doggedness about us. Whatever they throw at us, take it, then take a step forward."

Ready for Italy

Triumph this Saturday would end Ireland's three-match losing streak at the Aviva Stadium and D'arcy makes it clear how important the game is.

"The importance of beating Italy is an absolute no-brainer," he added. "There are huge things at stake here - our home record, getting our championship challenge back on track and setting the record straight.

"We also need to repay the people who have put a lot of faith in us, from the management right the way through to the amazing support we've received, even when our performances have dipped.

"A lot of people have put faith in us and now it's time for us to give it back to them.

"We must deliver. All the talking is great, but we are the ones who have to deliver."

While Ireland missed their second match in Paris two weeks ago due to a frozen pitch, the 32-year-old believes the recent break will be beneficial.

"It's fine, it hasn't really impacted on us," he said. "We had a full week's preparation before the France game, we just missed the match.

"We've had a full week of normal preparation for this Italy game, so we're probably the least affected by the postponement.

"We're some 20 games into the season so if anything the break will allow us to recharge the batteries.

"We've got four matches on the bounce now and I believe that will be a good thing for us. Hopefully I won't be eating those words in four weeks' time."