Preview: Ireland v Italy
The Ireland head coach accepted nothing less than victory will suffice this weekend, but the New Zealander added he must keep one eye on the bigger picture.
Ireland went into this season's Championship hoping to become the first team to ever win three outright titles in a row, but after a positive start when they drew with Wales, they lost to France and England – ending any hopes of glory before the upcoming fourth round.
A combination of retirements and a glut of injuries have hampered Ireland's attempt to make history, but Schmidt has introduced some new blood to the Irish squad and matchday XV along the way, and was adamant he was not as gloomy as many outside observers.
"When you're chasing championships, as we have been doing in the last two years, there's only one real thing on your mind," he said.
"Were we going to try to give up to give someone an opportunity, or were we going to chase as hard as we could to get that championship?
"No-one had done three in a row and we were desperately keen to do that but that's not going to happen, so what can we do now?
"We can still finish in the top half, we can still give a fair bit of experience to players and I think that is an investment that will hopefully pay dividends down the line," he added.
"The Championship has been frustrating and disappointing, but at the same time I'm still energised by the opportunity that we have left in this Championship.”
Leinster flank Josh Van der Flier, who made his Test debut in the 10-21 defeat by England, starts again on Saturday, alongside Munster's CJ Stander, who made his debut in the opening game against Wales.
Ultan Dillane, another Twickenham debutant, is on the bench as second row backup, while Kieran Marmion, Dillane's Connacht team mate will be hopeful of a first appearance off the bench.
They're just some of the new blood Schmidt has infused into the Ireland squad this year, and he admits they're the positive side of a "challenging" Six Nations.
"There's still lots for players to play for, there's opportunities to travel to South Africa in the summer and then there's a huge autumn awaiting us [against New Zealand and Australia]," he said after recalling the fit-again Jared Payne to midfield.
"This has been our most challenging Championship in trying to put band aids on things a little bit, in trying to put things back together and having guys moving in and out of the team has made it more difficult.
"We've had the luxury of really good continuity through the last two Championships and you saw the benefit of that."
Italy, who come to Dublin on the back of three straight defeats, saw veteran hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini ruled out of the clash, and were dealt another blow by the loss of scrumhalf Eduardo Gori.
Head coach Jacques Brunel will pair Guglielmo Palazanni and Zebre club mate Edoardo Padovani in the halfbacks, and he is eager to make the most of the weight on Schmidt's shoulders.
"Ireland is under pressure, a condition that they are not used to," Brunel said.
"We must further increase this pressure once we're on the field, we have the opportunity to go and play a great game."
Players to watch:
For Ireland: CJ Stander is an abrasive player when it comes to the physical exchanges. He also makes a nuisance of himself at the breakdown with his low centre of gravity. The New Zealand-born centre Jaryd Payne does a lot for the Irish defensive organisation in the backline, but he can also be devastating with ball in hand. Flyhalf Jonathan Sexton is one of the best playmakers in the game. Italy could be in for a long afternoon if they give him the time and space to run things at the Aviva Stadium.
For Italy: Flyhalf Edoardo Padovani will make his debut for the Italians and was a surprise selection ahead of Kelly Haimona. Not much is known about the 22-year-old, but he has played against most of these Irish players in the Pro12. Centre Michele Campagnaro is probably the most exciting player in this Italian line-up. He can split the toughest of defences with his speed and strength and does not shy away from the physical stuff. Captain and No.8 Sergio Parisse is the heart and soul of Italy and if he is on top of his game, Ireland could find it tough.
Head to head: Jamie Heaslip and Sergio Parisse are two world-class players and are both very physical. They both get their teams over the advantage line and are also key when it comes to defence. Flyhalves Edoardo Padovani and Jonathan Sexton are worlds apart in terms of experience at this level and it will be interesting to see if Padovani can stamp his authority on the game like Sexton has done on countless occasions. Centres Jared Payne and Michele Campagnaro are both exciting with ball in hand, but who will get the upper hand in that midfield? They will be looking to expose each other on defence and on attack
Recent results:
2015: Ireland won 16-9, London (WC Pool match)
2015: Ireland won 26-3, Rome
2014: Ireland won 46-7, Dublin
2013: Italy won 22-15, Rome
2012: Ireland won 42-10, Dublin
2011: Ireland won 36-6, Dunedin (WC Pool match)
2011: Ireland won 13-11, Rome
2010: Ireland won 29-11, Dublin
2009: Ireland won 38-9, Rome
2008: Ireland won 16-11, Dublin
Prediction: Although they have not had the best of tournaments, Ireland are still a powerful side and they will just have too much firepower for this Italian team. Ireland to win by at least 15 points.
Teams:
Ireland: 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 CJ Stander, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Donnacha Ryan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best (captain), 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Finlay Bealham, 18 Nathan White, 19 Ultan Dillane, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Fergus McFadden.
Italy: 15 David Odiete, 14 Leonardo Sarto, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mattia Bellini, 10 Edoardo Padovani, 9 Guglielmo Palazanni, 8 Sergio Parisse, 7 Alessandro Zanni, 6 Francesco Minto, 5 Marco Fuser, 4 George Biagi, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 2 Davide Giazzon, 1 Andrea Lovotti
Replacements: 16 Oliviero Fabiani, 17 Matteo Zanusso, 18 Dario Chistolini, 19 Quintin Geldenhuys, 20 Abraham Steyn, 21 Alberto Lucchese, 22 Kelly Haimona, 23 Luke McLean
Agence France-Presse & @rugby365com
