The big question on everyone's mind is, can Ireland get off to a winning start against the Italians and win showing a bit of the Munster passion and flair on Saturday?

Coach Eddie O'Sullivan needs a satisfactory result if he is to avoid the knives that are already being sharpened in some sections of the media.

The Munster players will go into the match full of confidence but the World Cup blues seem to have remained with a number of the other players. It will be up to Ronan O'Gara and the rest of the men from the South to try and lift the gloom. A good start is vital.

On the home front Shannon got back to winning ways when they beat Galwegians in the AIB All Ireland League. They are now in second place behind Cork Constitution.

Garryowen pulled the game out of the fire, coming from behind to beat Terenure in injury time. Both Limerick clubs should finish in the top four play off but UL/Bohemians slipped up against Clontarf in Dublin having dominated the game for long periods. They went down to a last minute try scored in injury time.

UL/Bohs have a good all-round side this year and I wouldn't discount their chances of making a late charge for a top four spot.

In the second division Young Munster got back to winning ways against Wanderers and will definitely be pushing for a return to the first division.

Thomond were narrowly beaten by Belfast Harlequins in Belfast and should hold onto their second division status, but Old Crescent were well beaten by Clonakilty, and now look in grave danger of dropping to the third division for the first time in the club's history.

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