SIX NATIONS WOES
Italy ‘to get their day’
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt backs Italy counterpart Conor O’Shea as the Azzurri stare down a likely 12th wooden spoon
Milan — Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has thrown his weight behind Italy counterpart Conor O’Shea amid suggestions the Azzurri’s Six Nations status could eventually come under threat from Georgia and Romania. Italy began this year’s tournament with renewed hope and confidence following a historic 20-18 win over South Africa in the November test series. But despite glimpses of promise in their opening two games at the Stadio Olimpico, the Azzurri are staring at a likely 12th wooden spoon in 18 editions following defeats to Wales (33-7) and Ireland, who registered their highest ever Six Nations away win over Italy in a nine-try, 63-10 romp on Saturday. In 2015 Octavian Morariu, the president of Rugby Union’s governing body for promotion and development, called for Georgia and Romania’s entry to the Six Nations following their successes on the European stage and some good showings in the rugby World Cup. O’Shea said on Saturday there was "no debate" and New Zealander Schmidt was quick to p...
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