British & Irish Lions
• British & Irish Lions tour Australia in 2013
Ireland Rugby
Stadio Flaminio, Rome – Home?
Ireland will be the first of the title contenders in action as they face Italy in the RBS Six Nations on Saturday.
Once the game is over the French (and English) will know exactly what they need to do if they want to take the title.
Pierre Berbizier’s side have already beaten Wales and Scotland and are eyeing their own version of a Celtic triple crown.
It is the first time Italy have achieved two wins in a Six Nations campaign.
More than 17,000 Ireland supporters will descend on the Stadio Flaminio, capitalising on an error in the Italian Rugby Federation’s ticket selling procedures to effectively turn the 25,000 capacity ground into home territory.
Two years ago Ireland won their fourth successive match in Rome but had to really battle for their 28-17 victory.
Making it five straight wins in the eternal city is likely to be every bit as difficult.