Rugby – Six Nations:Jamie Heaslip fears embittered Italy will be galvanised by their failure to join the Magners League when they face Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday.
The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) are furious after talks over their clubs’ admission into the competition broke down because of an inability to meet the Celts’ financial demands.
The addition of two Italian teams into the tournament was seen as a crucial step in enabling the Azzurri, traditionally the Six Nations whipping boys, to become more competitive.
But the FIR felt they were being deliberately priced out of negotiations, leading to doomsday predictions over the future of their domestic game.
Smarting from the perceived injustice, Italy’s first opportunity to exact revenge will be against Ireland who have supplied the last two Magners League champions in Munster and Leinster.
Heaslip, Leinster’s 2009 world player of the year nominee, admits the political backdrop to the championship opener at GAA headquarters could have repercussions for Ireland on the pitch.
“Italy are a class outfit and they might feel they have something to prove,” said Heaslip.
“They might have something against the Irish team now that Italy didn’t get the nod for the Magners League.
“We’ll have to bring our ‘A game’ anyway because that’s the way this championship has gone over the last couple of years.
“We play against the Italian players in the Heineken Cup - they’re big and they bash you about.
“They hit hard, have some skilful players and seriously good finishers.”
With momentum considered key to any Six Nations title challenge, Ireland have been provided with the kindest possible opener against a side widely tipped to finish with the wooden spoon.
Bookmakers may have installed France as tournament favourites but Declan Kidney’s Grand Slam champions remain the key scalp for pretenders to the throne.
Ireland were unbeaten last year, toppling world champions South Africa in the process, but Heaslip denies there is an extra spring in their step.
“It’s been pretty much the same feeling as last season,” he added. “We had a good year and people are talking about expectations, but that’s external.
“We’ve set the bar high for ourselves and we’re concerned about meeting that standard that we’ve set.”
Heaslip will be joined in the backrow by Leinster colleague Kevin McLaughlin, who will be making his Test debut after Stephen Ferris was ruled out with a knee injury.
McLaughlin questioned his future in the sport a year ago following a succession of operations - Leinster coach Michael Cheika told him he was drinking at the last-chance saloon - but a standout season for his province has revived his fortunes.
“I had a feeling Kevin was going to be selected. I’m happy for him, he deserves it as he’s been playing some great rugby this season,” said Heaslip.
“He’s coming into his own after having a run of games. He’s stayed injury free and has gone from strength to strength.
“He works hard and chooses when to carry well. He puts in big hits too and his general workrate is very good.
“When things weren’t going so well for him last year he looked for an honest answer from Michael Cheika and got one.
“He decided to give it a go and it’s gone his way. It shows the character and self-belief he has to have taken the chance like this.”