Ireland know a win is a must to preserve their Six Nations title hopes as they kick off Super Saturday against Italy. A hectic final day could be in store with three teams harbouring somewhat realistic hopes of securing the championship.

TADHG FURLONG is poised to make his first appearance of the Six Nations against Italy. Furlong has missed all four games to date because of calf problem which flared up during their pre-tournament

Reigning champions Ireland were left to watch and wait to see if they would win an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title after fulfilling their part of the bargain with

Ireland beat Italy 22-17 in their final game of the Six Nations to keep their slim title chances alive depending on results.

Ireland held off a spirited Italy to secure a bonus-point win in Rome, but their hopes of winning a third consecutive Six Nations title were ended by England's win over Wales. Hugo Keenan's first-half score and Dan Sheehan's hat-trick ensured a win that took Ireland to 19 points in the table,