Inside Track: Should we really have been surprised by Italy’s win?

It may have been history in the making, Italy’s win over England in last Saturday’s Six Nations tie. But was it really that big of a surprise?

England went into the game on the back of two defeats. Scotland beat them to win the Calcutta Cup, and then, when they entertained Ireland at Twickenham, the Red Rose was again on the wrong side of history.

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The score, 42 to 21, was the biggest Ireland ever had in an away match with the auld enemy.

Italy, so long the competition’s whippers-in, were replaced by Wales at the bottom of the table in 2024, and there was no change in placings last season. That had to be seen as progress by a country with no rugby tradition.

This year, the Azzuri got the better of Scotland early on, and after being well beaten by France, made life awkward for Ireland at The Aviva before going down narrowly.

They had home advantage on Saturday, and that had to be an advantage. We all know how passionate the Italians can be when supporting their team, let it be rugby or soccer. They can certainly make noise.

Italy were fully deserving of their win on Saturday, and if successful against Wales in the last round and England are beaten by France, then we could have another piece of history, Italy finishing ahead of the country that boasts about having given this game, and soccer, to the world. (Ireland’s claim is that horse racing’s first steeplechases were contested here.)

Ronan O’Shea, the former Ireland International, was involved when International rugby in Italy was still wet behind the ears. He can take a lot of satisfaction from Saturday’s and the other wins.

It was good at Rome, but even better the night before at The Aviva. Ireland were out against Wales, and if ever a game deserved to have the word ‘rollicking’ attached to it, this was it.

Ireland were attempting to keep their championship hopes alive, while the once-proud Wales, buoyed by an improved performance on their previous outing, came determined to shed the loser tag they’ve been wearing for so long.

The Dragons gave it their best shot, making a huge contribution to what was a fiercely contested, and, at times, feisty affair.

The referee spotted a lot of dirty work in the scrum, with one particular set-piece leading to some argy-bargy after the players had straightened up.

Ireland did enough to win, and with Scotland causing a real shock by beating France, scoring 50 points in the process, the stage is set of a meeting of the Celtic cousins this weekend.

The Aviva result will decide the winners the Triple Crown – if there’s not a draw – and there might also be the not inconsiderable prize of the Six Nations title to go with it. It will depend on how the other contenders, France, fare in their match with England.

Ronan O’Shea feeling a little chuffed? You can bet Andy Farrell is the same, and it might even be better for him after Saturday.