Ireland survive late Italy scare in Dublin

Ireland 20-13 Italy, Aviva Stadium

Ireland avoided a shock defeat in the second round of Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium, coming from behind to defeat a spirited Italy after a tense second half comeback.

The visitors led at the break and dominated the scrum, but Ireland’s bench impact and late composure proved decisive.

Italy control first half

Italy suffered an early setback as Louis Lynagh was sin-binned for a deliberate knock on. Ireland began brightly and struck first through Jamie Osborne after slick handling created space out wide.

The conversion was missed and the early warning signs quickly followed. Italy grew into the contest, controlling territory and winning repeated scrum penalties with Paolo Garbisi kicking a three pointer to make it 5-3..

The turning point of the half came when Craig Casey was sent to the bunker for a high challenge in the 31st minute.

From the resulting pressure, hooker Giacomo Nicotera powered over from a maul and Paolo Garbisi converted to give Italy a halftime lead. It was the first time the visitors had led at the interval in Dublin and their physical dominance unsettled the home pack.

Bench sparks Irish comeback

Ireland improved after the break as replacements added energy. Jack Conan forced his way over from close range to level the score before Italy thought they had regained the lead through Louis Lynagh, only for the try to be ruled out for a forward pass.

Jack Crowley’s introduction changed the tempo. His sharper distribution stretched the defence and Robert Baloucoune burst through for Ireland’s decisive try, converted by Crowley to give the hosts the lead.

Late pressure denied

Italy refused to fade and reduced the gap through a Garbisi penalty after another scrum infringement. The closing minutes saw sustained Italian pressure inside the Irish half, but a crucial tackle from Garry Ringrose halted a promising attack.

In the final play, a loose Italian pass was intercepted by James Lowe, allowing Ireland to clear and secure a hard fought victory despite a challenging performance.

Team line up:

Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; S Prendergast, Casey; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Izuchukwu, Doris (capt), Conan.

Reserves: Kelleher, O'Toole, Furlong, Edogbo, Beirne, Timoney, Gibson-Park, Crowley.

Italy: Pani; Lynagh, Menoncello, Marin; Ioane; P Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Lamaro (capt), Zuliani, L Cannone.

Reserves: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Odiase, A Garbisi, Odogwu.