Ireland v Italy latest: MAJOR update on Andy Farrell’s front row as Azzurri lose one but gain another superstar
Tadhg Furlong (left) and Ange Capuozzo (right) are set to play this weekend
Ireland and Italy have both been handed major injury boosts ahead of their pivotal Six Nations clash in Dublin this weekend, with Tadhg Furlong and Ange Capuozzo in line to play.
The duo both missed their side’s respective Six Nations openers against France and Scotland, but are both back in full training ahead of Saturday’s Test at the Aviva.
Ireland come into their home opener licking their wounds after a tough 36-14 defeat to France on Thursday night, while the Azzurri will be brimming with confidence after claiming a stunning 18-15 win over Scotland.
Tadhg Furlong back in training as Ireland XV ace returns to senior squad
Leinsterman Furlong has had yet another stop-start season through injury, making just nine appearances for both club and country to date, but it will be a welcome boost to Andy Farrell’s side given their crisis in the front-row. A decision on his availability for the Italy Test will be made on Thursday.
Elsewhere, Ulster’s Bryn Ward also returns to the senior squad after featuring for Ireland XV against England A over the weekend. The 21-year-old back-rower had previously been invited into the wider squad at the start of the campaign, and could win his first cap if selected to play this weekend.
Ireland reconvened at their Clongowes Wood College training base yesterday (Monday, 9th February) with no fresh injury concerns after the defeat in Paris.
Italy lose Nacho Brex but two men make injury returns
Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada also welcomes some key personnel back into the mix, with Ange Capuozzo and Simone Gesi returning to the fold. The pair both missed the famous win over Scotland this weekend, with Toulouse’s Capuozzo missing through injury, while Gesi featured for Italy A in their draw with Scotland XV, and could be set to make an immediate return to the 23-man squad as well.
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However, the Azzurri will also be without one of their key men in Nacho Brex, who misses the Test for family reasons.
“Nacho is a player of great value to the team, both on and off the pitch, but in managing the team, the human aspect and family will always be a priority,” said Quesada.
“We discussed it with him, and the decision we made is the best one. To stay focused on your work, it’s important to remain calm: in every area, with players and staff, we work with individuals first, rather than with professionals.”
Italy will also still be without Tommaso Allan, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Martin Page-Relo, Sebastian Negri, Marco Riccioni, Edoardo Todaro, Jacopo Trulla and Ross Vintcent this weekend, with the octet still sidelined through injury, but they too have not picked up any fresh concerns in the wake of Saturday’s outing.
