Six Nations: Italy 10 Ireland 48

Ireland finally got their Six Nations campaign up and running with a 10 – 48 win against an underperforming Italian side in Rome.

Despite opening up with some exciting plays in the first half, which yielded scores from Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan and Will Connors, Ireland reverted to type in a poor second half. Their grinding forwards game did eek out another three tries against a poor Italian side but, as we have seen, it wont get them far against quality opposition.

Italy (10) 10

TRY: Johan Meyer

CON: Paolo Garbisi

PEN: Paolo Garbisi

Ireland (27) 48

TRY: Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan, Will Connors (2), CJ Stander, Keith Earls.

CON: Johnny Sexton (6)

PEN: Johnny Sexton

I had hoped for a bit more resistance from Italy who had shown some signs of improvement this season but the home side were disappointing. Their defence . . .