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Italy lose Sebastian Negri for Ireland clash
By Josh Raisey
Italy will take on Ireland on Sunday in the Guinness Six Nations without one of their most experienced and influential players Sebastian Negri, who has been ruled out of the match with a rib injury.
In a medical report shared on Monday, Italy revealed that the 53-cap flanker suffered a rib contusion against England in their opening match of the Championship in Rome.
If the prospect of going to the Aviva Stadium to face an Ireland side who have just swept aside France in Marseille was already tough for the Azzurri, they will have to do it with a player who has been a staple of their pack in recent years and has become their enforcer.
The 110kg blindside made twelve carries in the 27-24 loss at the Stadio Olimpico, twice as many as the next best in the pack. With him being Italy's second-most capped player as well, Gonzalo Quesada will have a tough time replacing him against Andy Farrell's side.
The positive for Italy is that Negri did not suffer a rib fracture, and will the fallow week after round two, they will be hopeful he will be back to face France in Lille in round three. For the time being, he has returned to his club Benetton to rehab the injury.
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Latest Comments
I'd rate the brothers Hendricks a point or two lower. Jaden has really not delivered on his early promise and Jordan's kicking at posts was quite erratic. Amongst other things.
I was really surprised that DuhDuh was replaced and not Jordan. DuhDuh had a great game and just underlined his class in a backline that was not firing on all cylinders.
Damian Willemse was missed. Hopefully he'll be back to full fitness and have an injury free 2025 (and '26 and '27 and so on until he decides to retire to spend time with his grandchildren).
RG was great. What an athlete.
Very happy that Hanekom made his debut at last. He gave a good account of himself and will hopefully grow into his role on the international stage.
All things considered, this was another frustrating Bok performance. Even though it was a comfortable win, it wasn't a commanding win. This Welsh team should've been put away by a far larger margin.
But I have faith in Dr Rassie. He knows more than I do. Bring on 2027 😁
Go to commentsGo the AB's .. Probs win by about 30 I reckon ... Cheers ..
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