The IRFU undertook a clearly defined policy with regard to the under-21 national side 12 months ago in which winning became subsidiary to the manner in which the team operated. A clear emphasis was placed on pursuing an expansive gameplan and that applied to all matches.
This decision, coupled with the coaching prowess of Ciaran Fitzgerald and Pat Cross guaranteed that this underage side produced some scintillating rugby last season. Tonight in Ostia (5.30 Irish time) the process continues, albeit largely with a new crop of players.
Earlier in the season the Irish under-21s beat the Nike New Zealand Youths and also won one of two matches on a short trip to Paris where they faced French under-21 A and under-21 B teams.
Italy won't present anything like the same problems although they shouldn't suffer a similar hiding like last season in Cork when Ireland just failed to reach 100 points. The visitors possess a very quick and talented backline, that should be given free reign. Last year's Irish schools captain Gavin Duffy is named at outhalf, a tribute to his footballing ability given that he has played fullback centre and wing for Galwegians this season.
Niall Treston enjoys a second season at this level and Des Dillon has been handed a platform for his huge ability. Young second row Matt McCullough and Dolphin's Alan Hickie are others tipped for a speedy progression. Ireland should win and hopefully in some style.
ITALY UNDER-21: A Masi; C Gaudiello, S Pace, G Franchi, D Sacca; A Onori, P Travagli; G Giordano, C Festuccia, F Accatino; M Vella, E Pavanello; C Guarnaccia, M Bortolami, A Mannato. Replacements: M Pietrosanti, D Zonetti, R Borsato, F Angeloni, S Picone, V Zullo, S Varella.
IRELAND UNDER-21: G D'Arcy (Lansdowne); A Maxwell (Ballymena), K Lewis (Dublin University), M Lawlor (Shannon, capt), G Browne (Blackrock); G Duffy (Galwegians), P McCarthy (Dolphin); R Flanagan (Bruff), G Hickie (St Mary's), N Treston (Blackrock); M McCullough (Dublin University), N Breslin (UCD); A Hickie (Dolphin), D Dillon (UCD), N McMillan (Leicester). Replacements: S Philips (Saracens), H Bourke (Old Belvedere), D Browne (Galwegians), C Hartigan (Garryowen), B O'Riordan (UCD), B Lynn (UCD), F Baynes (Greystones).
