'Likelihood isn't great' for Irish title - Keenan

Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan says the side want to make sure they have "no regrets" come the end of the Six Nations.

Simon Easterby's side finish their campaign against Italy in Rome on Saturday afternoon knowing that they need a victory and results elsewhere to go their way if they are to win the title for the third year in succession.

No longer in control of their own destiny after last weekend's loss to France in Dublin, Keenan is hoping Ireland can at least put the pressure on England and Les Bleus in the final day's later kick-offs.

"We're just looking after what we can control," said the 28-year-old.

"Likelihood isn't great [for a title win] but we want to know that we have no regrets, that we've done all we can and gotten the performance that we're chasing.

"Hopefully there'll be some nervous watching."

Wins over England, Scotland and Wales to start the campaign mean Ireland have already won the Triple Crown but Keenan believes they are a better side than they have shown across the whole campaign.

"There's been good performances, but consistently over the Six Nations we know there's a lot more in us," he added.

"Can we take not only the learnings from France but the other games and put it all together?

"It's exciting because [Italy is] a tough place to go."

Topics

Ireland eye unlikely Six Nations title against uncertain Italy

Ireland have a glimmer of hope that they can retain their Six Nations crown on Saturday when they take on Italy in Rome, looking to bounce back from a painful defeat to title favourites France.But ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
'Wounded Ireland aim to end Six Nations on a high'

Following a humbling defeat by France, wounded Ireland approach Six Nations Super Saturday with only slim hopes of winning the title.
Yahoo Sports - 19h
Ireland Grand Slam hopes ended by rampant France

France take control of the Six Nations title race as they score 34 unanswered points to beat Ireland in Dublin and end the home side's Grand Slam hopes.
BBC News - 6d
Dominant France win ends Ireland's Grand Slam hopes

Watch highlights as France beat Ireland 42-27 to end Irish Grand Slam hopes and go top of the Six Nations table.
BBC News - 6d
Italy vs Ireland Prediction: Irish Backlash to Leave Azzurri Bruised

Follow our Six Nations betting tips as Ireland travel to Italy in the first game of Super Saturday
Yahoo Sports - 1d
'France a hard team to stop' - Ireland lick wounds as Grand Slam hopes end

Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby questions the awarding of France's second try while lamenting his side's wasteful display in Saturday's Six Nations defeat in Dublin.
BBC News - 6d
Six Nations permutations: How England could win title

England will face a mad dash back to the Principality Stadium for a possible trophy presentation if they remain in title contention during the finale of Six Nations’ Super Saturday.
Yahoo Sports - 18h
Ireland and England must avoid Six Nations trap to set up thrilling finale

France, England and Ireland are all in the title hunt on ‘Super Saturday’ – get ready for a rollercoaster ride
Yahoo Sports - 20h
France take Six Nations title race to the wire with thumping win over Ireland

Ireland 27-42 France France run in five tries in Dublin to set up grand finale This was not just a game of two halves, it was a story of two games. In the first you were counting yourself lucky ...
The Guardian - 6d