McCloskey Cautious of Menoncello’s Impactful X-Factor

The upcoming Six Nations clash promises to be a challenging encounter for Ireland as they prepare to face Italy at Aviva Stadium. Following a tough 36-14 defeat to France, Ireland is looking to rebound against a formidable opponent featuring the explosive Tommaso Menoncello. The Italian center, just 23 years old, has already made a significant impact on the tournament, having been awarded the Player of the Championship in 2024. His performances have caught the attention of many, notably Irish center Stuart McCloskey.

Menoncello’s Rising Star

Menoncello’s stature is on the rise, particularly after his standout display against Scotland last week. He contributed to Italy’s 18-15 victory at Stadio Olimpico, benefiting from atrocious weather conditions that did not deter his performance. During the match, he crossed the try line early and gained 103 meters while breaking through four tackles.

Despite his home team’s success, a potential absence of his center partner Ignacio Brex could play a role in the upcoming match. Brex, who provides balance to Menoncello’s gameplay, will miss this game for personal reasons. McCloskey, however, remains vigilant about the threats that Menoncello could pose on the pitch.

McCloskey’s Analysis

• McCloskey emphasized Menoncello’s exceptional attributes: speed, power, and offloading skills.
• He recognized the importance of physicality in tackling Menoncello, labeling him as one of the most athletic centers globally.
• McCloskey expressed confidence in Ireland’s ability to adapt, despite recent struggles in their game strategy.

Reflecting on the previous match, McCloskey noted that individual errors rather than systemic failures contributed to Ireland’s lack of fluency. He attributed nine knock-ons to challenging conditions but encouraged his teammates to improve their focus and execution in the upcoming challenge against Italy.

Adapting to New Challenges

As Ireland gears up for this pivotal match, McCloskey emphasizes the need for rapid adaptation. Italy’s consistent improvement under coach Gonzalo Quesada has transformed them into a competitive team. With versatile backs like Menoncello and Garbisi making waves, the Irish must disrupt their rhythm to claim victory.

Both teams are poised for a competitive showdown, with Ireland aiming to bounce back while Italy seeks to build on their recent success. McCloskey believes that maintaining physicality and addressing previous errors will be key for Ireland in overcoming the Italian challenge.