Ireland v Italy Six Nations Rugby

More questions than daffodils as springtime comes to Twickenham. Ah

well as the saviours of the northern hemisphere? If England win,

does it guarantee Stuart Lancaster the coaching job and can Wales win

at Twickenham for only the second time in a quarter of a century?

England against Wales, gorge yourself on the match of the six

Nations so far... For Wales it has been that the game. It is a

celebration of the difference between two neighbours, of who

plays the game of rugby and higher. On the day that will split England,

the pulse races. The game? Oh, yes. There was a time when England ruled

the professional age of rugby and they heard the roar of Wales and so

was fury and turned them into English advantages. Baby has done

Celtic defeat and were made stronger. The end? No, just another

game. The now, there is a twist. Wales have won nothing yet but have

grand plans and they have the bulldozers. To beat England they

must be cool-headed. For Wales, this must be more than just a game.

England are scrambling to victory, they yearn for that spark and this

is their homecoming. This is the one. England and Wales, the game of

the six Nations. Just another game? Not ever... This is the England

dressing room where Stuart Lancaster will give his first team

talk to the home international at Twickenham and to a very Young and

inexperienced team, especially in key positions, but they also a

winning team. England have been functional and pragmatic so far but

they have been lucky and good teams need that, they could have crumbled

in Rome but the key thing was they did not. Owen Farrell has been

reliable, nerveless when the heat is on but starting at outside-half

in an international for the first time today. The Welsh back division

has only one player under 6 ft tall and four players way in it at over

16 stone. They are big but they are also brilliant. And they're not

just playing England, but the history books with just one triumph

at Twickenham since 1988 meeting this really is a fortress for the

men in red. And before that, it is Ireland against Italy. Italy still

smarting from that golden opportunity being met cool in Rome.

-- let go. Confirmation of Ireland against Italy from Lansdowne Road.

And Scotland tomorrow from Murrayfield. Jeremy Goss it has

thatcher many times. There are a lot of people who are already

carping about England, saying they have not been very exciting. But

isn't the crucial factor that they have won both their games and that

is all that matters? expectation of England is to win

and in style, scoring tries. But this is a new side, together and

they're getting to know each other and they will be more than happy

with the fact that they have those victories. Victories breeds

confidence. You are sitting in the space where Jonny Wilkinson sat for

decades and if you look at the name tag above, Owen Farrell, he gets

that seat, and his shirt. There are a lot of people saying that the way

he has been kicking, he is a man for the role. He is very key, he

has the important role. He played a lot last season, in a great game in

the Premiership final at the basic we won that game for Saracens and

he can do the same for England. Be steady and get the ball to the

centres. He is calmness personified. And can England won this? I think

they can. We are heading off to the Wales dressing room. If anybody has

fantasised about seeing Jeremy dressed as one of Village People,

please watch the preview! You can also watch the highlights of what

was an extraordinary weekend a couple of weeks ago. It was a

weekend when Russia joined the six Nations. Best to stay indoors and

turn up the heat. From Tiberius it to the Mediterranean, it was cold.

And the decision to call off France and Ireland at the last minute in

Paris only helped make things frostier. Still in Rome, snow is as

common as pasta any Yorkshire pudding. And Italy might blow

England away... But Ben Foden and Italy were on their way. A second

mistake by the full-back and Italy This was becoming a habit that

Charlie Hodgson charging down and scoring the try. And so was this a

habit, or one Farrell as cool as the weather, kicking England to

victory. The heated Sunday debate with Scotland... Would they ever

catch a pass? For 40 minutes it went this way and that. With little

to show on the scoreboard for all the bloodshed. There were glimpses

of Alex Cuthbert. But at half-time, all square. And then the tries

began to flow in, the skyscraper winner. Scotland, ragged, tackling

without the ball. And convert to One more try for Wales would do

this. The old, 8, 9... 15. Leigh Halfpenny. Which left one final

question - what Scotland never score a try? Stuart Hogg... No, but

not gone that never was. Would we never score? Yes! At last. And a

little something to warm the heart on the weekend when the Rugby was

As we leave the England dressing room and walk nine short steps

across the corridor or... We can see that all the kit is being laid

out for all the players. And it is done my position. These were the

big boys, George North. Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Alex

Cuthbert. The dynamic back division. And this is the short part,

Jonathan Davies will be found here. I am good. The All week, you have

been talking about this team, Andy Farrell said you have done the

England team talk because you said that Wales were going to smash in

then? There is nothing like pre- match banter. And with that back

line, before Charlie Hodgson was injured, physically we could

dominate. If things go well, hopefully that will still be the

case. The old cliche is that forwards win matches and the backs

decide what the winning margin will be. How much does the outcome of

today's match actually rest on these guys and not those? Very much

so, especially coming to Twickenham, it is always difficult to win at

Twickenham. And with Wales, with Alun Wyn Jones back, I suppose they

will target that area. And the scrum and the tackle area, the back

row, it is so significant. Yes, it is the forwards who will decide who

will win this. In his writ factor at Twickenham? -- is there a

Twickenham factor? We won here in 1988. 2008 since then. There is

that. But this side is confident and very mature. And I think

irrespective of what goes on and what has been said in the press,

they welcome here focused I'm looking for that result. Kick-off

is at 4pm and we're back with all the build up. There is a great

atmosphere already around you. We will be back at 3:20pm. Now, off to

Dublin and dawning Gabby Logan and the good news for Irish fans is

this game is most definitely on... Yes, this pitch will take it. The

match is on. It has been a glorious morning and Dublin and the chance

for both of these sides to open Ireland unchanged after being given

the cold shoulder in France, they lost their last three games at the

Aviva Stadium. Home hopes could rest on the wheel of fortune that

is the Irish winger, Steve and fairness. The whole of Ireland were

coming down on top of me. It isn't a nice feeling. A and it clear blue

and great chance at beating England and wrong. They are chasing their

first victory in Dublin for 15 years. Declan Kidney says he would

like his players to come out of the cage like lions, but they look

pretty relaxed. And missing that weekend in France, they have gone

20 days without any game. Wales -- almost that famous victory against

England for Italy but they come here with great progress. They will

have a real challenge for Ireland. That game nest means they said be

hind Wales and England on maximum points. -- sits behind. I am joined

by Keith Wood. And one of the Giovanni's grid injury cost to that

place today but we are delighted to have you here. And it does mean

that whatever happens today, in the follicle Stakes, England have won

this? There is a lot of injury to their hair! How are you ribs?

Hopefully it will be sent. But you never know. The England game was

frustrating for Italy, going in at the break up against England with

two tries. And Gillette and victory slip away? We blew up. Today, it is

a difficult game for Italy. And we hope we will do well. How worried

are you about Ireland missing that weekend in Paris, could they be

rusty and lethargic? The word is frustrated as well. When they lose,

all they want to do is get on the field and they have not had that

chance. Four games in quick succession, which will not be such

a problem. They will need to be very careful. Try to get the most

out of the squad. What a man who will be desperate to make amends is

Stephen for us. Leigh Halfpenny duly converted and Wales went home

What did you feel after the whistle blew? You cannot blame the referee,

he has to make that decision in a split-second and he made the wrong

decision. But you just have to deal with that. Stephen Ferris is going

to descend en... I felt like the whole of Ireland was coming down on

top of me. That isn't a nice feeling. And Wales will have the

kick for the match... I was itching to get onto the pitch. And show

You are known as a bit of a gym monkey. Do something I am working

on. I take my waist seriously and pride myself on being strong.

injuries may have broken a lesser man but they seem to have spurred

yawn as a player. We injury is to look as it and say this could be it,

rugby over. -- with injuries. What will I do post rugby? I used to the

few months I had allowed to get bigger, stronger, fitter and faster.

-- had out. You had a great chance in 2009 and it went very quickly.

Do you think there is unfinished business there? Anybody that asks

me the question asks me what has been the highlight of my career? I

won a Grand Slam and it was a grey year being selected for the Lions

tour but I have never had so much fun as pitching up at a training

session and shaking hands with the lads, a few weeks later you are

good mates, having a crack and I Talk me through what it is like

lining up somebody. It is something we get a feel for. It is timing. At

training we tend to wrap each other up a lot and not heard people. We

leave that for Saturday. What about Saturday? We played against them in

the World Cup. 50 minutes to break them down. Me, Sean and Jimmy

played really well at the World Cup and there was a lot of talk about

us and as soon as we got beaten by Wales there was no talk about us.

We are good players that love It is all about fine margins. He

mentioned it there, there were all the plaudits ahead of that game

with that the back row and Ireland's strength being back there.

I think they are three fantastic players, I just don't think the

balance is right. Sean O'Brien is one of the best ball-carrying sixes,

playing at No. 7 he does not seem comfortable. A back row is

definitely an area of strength for Italy as well. The iconic captain...

Sergio is one of the best No. 8 in the world and he has done a lot for

us. He is doing a lot around the pitch as well. He is half of the

team to be honest. This thing about losing games at the er the stadium,

six out of nine here, a lot of those teams around the hemisphere

sides, are you worried this is not feeling like home yet? I think it

is home but there were just a couple of farces involved at the

start with ticketing prices and people did not take to it

immediately. There was negativity when they did not need to be. If

they get an extra couple of wins under their belt, they need not

Ireland were pushed all the way last year, but for that drop goal

in the last two minutes, it would have been a great win. I remember

it. Once again, we have the opportunity. So no fear? I hope not.

The last time Ireland lost four in a row at home, Italy were one of

the teams they lost 2. Look away Great stuff by the Italians.

Unbelievable. The Italians are ecstatic. The roar has gone up. It

does feel like home now. The atmosphere as the islands to make

their way onto the pitch. In his incredible. 51,000 fans in here

Italy have improved so much for so long and everybody wants to see

this game. You had hair in that VT there! I was ropey them. We trained

four hours every day. I remember walking around this same ground, it

was a totally different level of professionalism. It was said

earlier you do feel a change, something has progressed. What is

it? We used to kick a lot and we do not play to match our field. -- too

much in our field. We tried to attack more. What do you make of

the selection today of the Botes? He missed a couple of crucial kicks

against England. Surprising for you? I think Jack has tried to mix

the players because if you see the last three games, he changed all

the players. I think he is trying different things. There will be a

The President is coming out now. We The two young guys played together

on the front row. I think they seem to be a bit more expansive. They

want to play more, they want to do more and they are not content in

being an awkward team to play against. They want to start winning.

It is a big challenge for them but also a big opportunity. Ireland

As a part of those forwards, do you ever look behind the scrum and

think if only? If only the backs had the same kind of com -- kind of

fear? Yes, you see it when we have a scrum, we always tried to do the

penalty. Now we get the ball out and tried to kick, or play. I think

this is a big difference. Let's go to a man trying to play his way

back into the Ireland team. Luke Fitzgerald is with us. Perfect

conditions. You would love to be involved. What is the latest?

hope to be back next week which is a relief because it has been a long

haul. Hopefully I can push my way back in. Frustrating not to be

involved, or playing. It is similar for Ireland, missing out, you have

been talking to the squad, how have they dealt with the game -- dealt

with missing the game against France? It was frustrating for them.

It is good to get yourself mentally ready for big games like that. I

think they felt they had not done that. The guys had to be

professional about it and it is like a World Cup scenario at this

stage where they will play week after week. They have to get on

with it. A couple of changes in the Ireland line up and you were

interested in the selection of the fly half. With Botes, yes, I think

it was an interesting selection, I think he will be more of a running

half than usual. It is interesting to see how he will get on. It will

The anthems are almost upon us. Quick prediction, Keith? Worried?

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

bit but I think Ireland will win. Ata gheall ag Eirinn. Buion dar

Seantir ar sinsear feasta, Ni fhagfar faoin tioran na faoin

Le gean ar Ghaeil, chun bais no Le gunna screach faoi lamhach na

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

We have come to answer Our From the four proud provinces of

Together standing tall. Shoulder to Shoulder to shoulder. We'll answer

That Bell the atmosphere nicely. What a difference a couple of weeks

makes. Know icy pitch here. Good to see you both. You are tougher down

there. Half an Italian and the mayor, two al-Arish anthems. The

Irish players had been festering for a couple of weeks since the

late defeat of Wales. It is the same line-up today for Ireland that

was named for the game that never was in Paris. The Irish pack does

not have it -- does have a settled look. All the better because of my

cross. There are three destructive ball carriers in the front line. In

the back, one change, trying to fill up the whole by O'Driscoll. --

the hole left by O'Driscoll. Two in experienced props a day. Parisse

captaincy aside for a record 38 time. In the never-ending quest to

find a dry laugh, they are trying out Botes. Merck Al-Faw O'Gara

Muntz the replacements. -- watch out for O'Gara. -- watch out for

just about ready to go at the of be the stadium, and it is a great

pitch and a wonderful game in prospect. You can sense Philip

Matthews alongside, champing at the bit for Ireland? Absolutely.

Ireland need to make sure they are aggressive and controlled in that

aggression. They do not want to make this easy for Italy by giving

away penalties. Controlled aggression. So much pressure on

Tobias Botes. Going for length and too long. Ireland a restart.

Jonathan Sexton. Not an old man by any standards but far more

experienced than Tobias Botes. The very talented Tomasso Benvenuti.

Andrea Masi. The full-back today, he has filled most positions in the

over but infringing, the penalty. Just inside the Ireland half.

would expect Italy to try to take the shot at goal here and get those

early three points. They will want to stay patient and conversely, to

make Ireland frustrated. They won't know that they are champing at the

bit. This defensive line is starting to meet Italy on the gain

line, moving into those tackles. They were criticised against Wales

for being too passive. They are keen to put that right and the

repetition. -- and their reputation. penalties against England. Burton

has struggled with kicking. This is gives Ireland back in the 22 and

that is what it label want as much as possible. The great Italian

start met with a roar from the Lansdowne Road crowd. As they tried

to get the home side going. Jonathan Sexton hanging over the

forwards. He comes back in. The big hands of Paul O'Connell. And came

here lead takes a tackle around his neck from Marco Bortolami. Deep.

Ireland have that. There free pass away eventually. Keith Earls.

Shuffles his way through the middle. O'Brien. His strength gets them a

few more yards. Paul O'Connell. Beckett goes to Jonathan Sexton. He

should have easily been taking on the wing. And that a long kick from

Andrea Masi. Into the arms of Jonathan Sexton. Eventually came to

Just went forward. Ireland will have the scrum. Against a better

side, Ireland may not have got that. Ireland choosing to move the ball

through their hands and that shows some impatience. There is a lot of

space behind. Which Jonathan Sexton is choosing to ignore. Just play

more territory. But you can understand what they are trying to

do, particularly getting the Irish forwards into the game. They were

guilty of kicking the ball away too much. And the bus will have voiced

that opinion. Keeping the ball in hand is definite. And it is a free

kick, knocked 10 metres. The referee was playing advantage for

that. Ireland perhaps still bringing it on. Andrew Trimble.

They are in a hurry to score the tries, aren't they? To force this

fairly early. That was a good decision. He managed to shut down a

pass as well, which he had to do. The Italian hooker, Leonardo

Ghiraldini, banned for 15 weeks for gouging Cian Healy in a bad-

tempered World Cup match between these two, which Ireland won

handsomely. Well taken by Trimble. And Ireland have some space to

exploit. Jonathan Sexton. And a penalty to Italy. Ireland hanging

on. This one stout be closer than the last one. And a better

opportunity for Tobias Botes to grab those three points. I'm not

saying it was not on but it was very crowded and so far, they

really have not played the territory game and the touchline

and they have passed over opportunities to put the ball deep.

That is a good Italian defence. They are playing into the Italian

hands at the moment, really pushing for that breakthrough. And I

suppose that is a sign of frustration and a little impatient.

Although the last one was a very difficult kick for Tobias Botes,

this has been made slightly easier but it is still a big kick. Missing

the first one, you can excuse that. But two in a row, that would start

one is selling through. Italy have three points, they have the lead at

Lansdowne Road. Well deserve it. As much as anything for Ireland,

tactically, but they shot Ireland down and they stopped them from

attacking deep within their own half. Now, Ireland will want to

respond quickly. And get a real group on to this match. So far,

they have been unable to do that. That was well placed. And a bit of

a mess. Back it comes to Conor Murphy. Jonathan Sexton. Tries to

get the ball. Italy have it now. Tomasso Benvenuti with the kick. He

tries to accelerated. Trimble took the ball just as he did the tackle.

Sexton, poking that through. Into the sunlight. Not quite into touch.

Jamie Heaslip. Tobias Botes. Into the big wing. Running interference.

As Giovanbattista Venditti tried to make his way. We will get another

look at this. That will have hurt his ego. That was advised that will

break by Jonathan Sexton. Again, really eager to put the ball

through the hands and a little bit of that frustration and pent-up

aggression is coming through in the way that Ireland are playing at the

moment. But three points and even scorer might just settle things

down. We will have to wait. There might be some blood, here. And

there we are. The man is getting ready, Ronan O'Gara. Will he come

on, American football-style, to take that? You can be sure that

Jonathan Sexton will not be going off if he has anything to do with

it. If Ronan O'Gara does come on, you can be sure that he has spotted

a lot of the space from his position on the sidelines. He will

be inclined to play the territory. So it would be interesting. We can

see blood so if they cannot patch this up on the field... So, Ronan

O'Gara, will he sit down? No, on Com's Ronan O'Gara. And we have to

wait for his record-breaking appearance. He smiles, he will be

back! Jonathan Sexton, just sit back down! Even in the autumn of

his career, Ronan O'Gara is playing very good rugby. He is very

confident and in his own game. He recognises that Jonathan Sexton is

the man of the future. But he is more than happy to come on and play

his part if he can at all. You have to respect him for that. He sticks

to what he is world class at. Jonathan Sexton to try to draw

Jonathan Sexton rises from the ground to draw Ireland level.

Nothing between these two sides. That will be a great confidence

booster. This Irish side had been playing with a little trepidation.

Slapped back by Sergio Parisse. Italy have it. Tobias Botes again.

The player of the tournament in last year's Six Nations. Carried by

Lorenzo Cittadini. And Ireland have the scrum. They did well to get

Lorenzo Cittadini off. He was the hold of specialist. Donnacha

O'Callaghan getting his group on to him and that is as good as a

turnover. It is. And then in comes Donnacha O'Callaghan. He is a huge

man, Lorenzo Cittadini. He is. That scrum yet. And the figures will

have a chat. Make sure the timing is only when I call engage.

Leonardo Ghiraldini and Rory Best. They have their orders. Very quiet

around the stadium at the moment. That reflects the way the game is

going. The crowd are desperate to get behind them. This certainly

have that scrum. The LUAS pass. Gordon D'Arcy sees space. And he is

through! Keith Earls, he has done well. O'Brien. Keith Earls again.

O'Brien. He tries to crush through. O'Connell. Cian Healy and Jamie

Heaslip. Battling on. Certainly the best passage of play for Ireland.

Jonathan Sexton, Stephen Ferris. He does his demolition. 12, 15 metres

or so. Not too much out there for Ireland. Penalty. To Ireland. Again,

nearly more than that. Ireland looking dangerous when they get

that quick ball. That is what they need, to get that quick ruck and

make the most of any space that might be there. And don't allow

Italy to reform. Interesting decision. This isn't a great angle.

From the other side of the pitch. He did not fancy that as much as

the line-out. Ireland really want to get on top of the

psychologically. And the best way is to get that early try. It is

worth more than seven points, it is teasing it free. A pocket of

took it on. Murray tries to go himself, bounces off. Up to within

six metres, Heaslip. Ireland getting closer with every passage

of play. Held at the back by Ferris. thought from Murray. The on permit

goes to Heaslip. Taken down by its consultation. A try for Ireland,

but try for Keith Earls. Little doubt about that one. It was

Ireland just getting those quick phases of quick ball. Not much of a

chance to realign their defence. John Sexton effectively taking two

players out there but the fact that the ball was recycled quickly

allowed Keith Earls to make the young daughter was on well,

thankfully well again now, back on the side. It is a big ask to ask

anybody to fill in for O'Driscoll. But a very talented midfielder.

it is a real chance, for me, he is the only real option at number 13

at the moment. The developing new partnership with D'Arcy and Earls,

D'Arcy looking to use his distribution and footwork to put it

into space. It will be interesting to see how they develop this

couple of weeks productively. Bode really -- Botes really not physical

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

there. Italy seem to get to it quicker, it is a blue scrum. Nice

because they have gone behind by a converted try earlier. They cannot

Italians. They are looking perhaps come there. Under pressure there, a

rarity for Rory Best. Normally one of the best scrummaging number two

can see Best releasing his pint there. I'm sure Keith will have

something to say about that in the studio. Botes goes for touch, does

not find it. Big mistake as he tried to bite off a big chunk of

The game might stop. He is lifting his head up at least, but it does

he has made a good tackle but caught a hip. -- Kian Healey. He

came in the wrong side there. He caught a me there. He needed to be

getting his right shoulder in contact there, not his left

least he is back on his hunches. -- while then... Now missing a few

vertebra. Shake it off. He looks Tom will have to wait. Straight

into the scrum. He will have to watch himself for the next bit

because if he has any kind of blurred vision he will be putting

himself in a dangerous situation going into tackles. He needs to

know where he is, where he is lining his head up and so on, and

any kind of blurred vision will really compromise him so he will

need to keep our eye on things. -- an eye on things. It seems

unfortunate he has to go straight into a scrum. Ireland creaking a

bit but then starting to hold firm Trimble, but good defence by Italy.

Ireland persisting with the expansive game, they really want to

break the Italian side down, and do bit as we head into in the second

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

for that Italian scrum. Apart from that try, a bit messy from both

sides. Italy have been pretty good at shutting Ireland down, Ireland

have virtually 60% of possession. And in terms of territory, roughly

the same, just over 60%, but it must be said that the territory is

probably just inside the Italian half. Where the scrum is is where a

lot of this game has been played and Ireland are looking to move the

ball wide so quickly, the Italian defence is not tired, it has not

been broken, so is defending well. They probably need to tire them out

a bit more. There will be space but I think they are looking to go too

will be interesting to hear at half-time what Keith Wood makes of

already sparked into life. Gerald beanie trying to make sure of the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

call. -- Gerald beanie. -- Sexton probably has to hold his

hand up for that, it was a bit loose that deep in your own heart.

They might have created an overlap there but that long loop did not

come off, it has turned the pressure back on Ireland. They are

playing too much rugby deep in their own half. A let's get sorts

early from Luke Fitzgerald... ball, and break them down, it is

just a matter of getting into the Italian half and maintaining

position. We have seen that when they do that, they seemed to come

about fairly simply with that try. Tobias Botes. His third shot at

Ireland will have to be awake now. Thankfully, Rob Kearney was there.

Suddenly, there is a swell of noise inside the ground. And the scrum to

Italy. It has worked not too badly for them. That was a really awkward

bounce to deal with. Rob Kearney has dealt with that very well. The

reaction immediately. He gets himself into the air. He is upset

that they did not get that. The way Italy have been scrummaging, they

will want to turn this into something. Listen to the noise.

Look at that attacking position that Italy have. 10 metres out with

options and space either side. Sergio Parisse, look how low he is.

Nobody there but the referee. And the chance is lost. Sergio Parisse

slapping his thighs and flapping his arms and Jonathan Sexton clears

that for Ireland. Italy still with the ball but much deeper now. The

giant tight-head prop. Lorenzo Cittadini. That really was a golden

chance. Back into the outskirts of the 22 line. Marco Bortolami. That

little chip through. It was knocked off the foot of Keith Earls. The

drop goal attempt from the South African, Tobias Botes. Sliced very

wide. Touched down by Rob Terry. Ireland, when it that interesting

passage of play and Italy did really have that opportunity that

was squandered. That might well be one of the big differences between

the sides. Having a genuine international class out have. Italy

need to have that. They have not developed that since Rodriguez.

little fumble and it goes back. Sergio Parisse. Always being asked

to do so much. Tobias Botes. And he buys Italy some territory. Ireland

had the line-out, inside their own 22. That was a good option from

Tobias Botes. Very little on and that just keeps Ireland pinned back.

This is what they have been trying to play a lot of rugby from. It is

very good, the way Ireland have been playing. Rory Best tries to

head his mark. And he does so. With Paul O'Connell. And Conor Murray

Shipping to clear himself. He thinks better of it. The only

forward to score points in the Six Nations so far, Rory Best. And that

was very well taking. Ireland have Andrea Masi. Tobias Botes. Watched

by D'Arcy. Advantage to Italy and the turnover is there. Sergio

Parisse and Tobias Botes and Alberto Sgarbi. Tobias Botes kept

at the alive. Sergio Parisse getting in the way of his scrum

half. Still the Italian ball. Edoardo Gori. Tobias Botes. The

Irish ball. The hand-off from Rob Kearney. Sexton? There might be a

chance for Italy. And it is Alberto Sgarbi who is pulled down by Sexton.

Three metres out. Edoardo Gori complains but there is a penalty to

Ireland. It ends in an Irish penalty. It looked like they were

going to go all the way, there. Rob Terry expected Jonathan Sexton to

come back in. The right line was to stay out and Ireland did well to

turn around and defend. Alberto Sgarbi just did not have the pace.

Again, it was all there with the turnover. Down the left-hand side,

it was on. They just took the wrong option when it came down to it.

When you said that Ireland have not played in three weeks, is that

harsh? They don't look like that. They are over eager. They really

want to let the frustration of the last two weeks out. There is too

much rugby in their own half. trouble again. He tries to get it

down! Held up just short, says the referee. So many men! Sergio

Parisse with the try for Italy. And he goes under the posts. The

captain hits back for the Italian. You would have to say that was

deserved. Italy were unfortunate not to get the try earlier on but

given the chance, they got that one away. Look at what they can create.

Keith Earls is virtually alone. Sergio Parisse was not going to let

that opportunity go. Fitting that the captain should finish that off

and the conversion to come with five minutes to go before half-time

to level things up. Ireland, tactically, they have shown that

they can break them down when getting themselves around the

Italian 22. But it's very difficult to break them down from your own 22.

And they have struggled, albeit with 60% of the territory, they

have really struggled to get enough of that into the Italian 22.

Jonathan Sexton is beginning to vary his game a little bit more and

pushed the Italians back. The Sergio Parisse. With the honour of

finishing that try. And as passionate and assistant coach and

former player as you will find. Four minutes remaining and nothing

between the two sides. Quintin Geldenhuys tries to take it at the

restart. Ireland might have a chance. He gifted that ball and

Stephen Ferris has it. Conor Murray looks outside and seize the

advantage to Ireland at the moment. Ireland looking to hit back

immediately. Tommy Bowe. Taken down. By Robert Barbieri and Alessandro

Zanni. Rory Best, held up. That was a good pick up by D'Arcy. O'Connell.

Still plenty of time for Ireland in this first half. Stephen Ferris

plays it back. Conor Murray. O'Brien, quiet so far. Advantage

again to Ireland. Of side. You can see Ireland have upped the

intensity. But they're not playing with a lot of control and would

like to see them really take that ball aggressively. He has taken

that very static at the moment. And he is laying off very early. And

would love to see him getting behind the game. They got the try

eventually from this. Perhaps better to try to take the line-out.

And try those chances with just a couple of minutes to go before

half-time. First things first. Rory Best has to find his target. Jamie

Heaslip. The one that is hoisted high and takes it. And Ireland,

five metres out. Donnacha O'Callaghan is there with Stephen

Ferris. Quicker ball. Tommy Bowe, nearly through. Good defence from

Italy. Conor Murray tries to dive in himself. Ireland looking for the

try to finish this first half and get back in front. Carried on by

Donnacha O'Callaghan. Two metres out. Conor Murray. Gordon D'Arcy.

Rob Kearney? Stephen Ferris! Goes wide to Tommy Bowe. And he goes in

for the try. That will give Ireland the lead at half-time. When they

get in charge, Italy cannot break them down. And the sheer weight of

numbers, but Stephen Ferris did well, because very unselfish, he

has given a pass to his team. He made sure of this five points. That

is what Ireland want, as much as getting ahead, they would have felt

the three-point penalty was not enough, they need to

psychologically hit back hard and show that they are the better side.

And go into have time 2-1 tries ahead. Not by a marginal penalty.

That was generosity to his fellow Ulster man, Tommy Bowe. He has a

lot more tries in international rugby than Steven Bayliss. The 21st

from Tommy Bowe, takes him ahead of Shane Horgan. On the all-time Irish

list. And a very important time to score as well. The clock ticking.

This will be the final kick of the first half. And the final kick of

the first half is very good indeed. As was his last conversion. Ireland

have a seven-point lead at half- time in a game that has been uneven

in quality but certainly, Ireland have taken their chances. Very

clever from Declan Kidney, he knows the more time that Ireland can

spend in the Italian have, it welcome. Spend more time in the

opposition have in the second half. It was a roller-coaster first half

but it started off rather lame with the first early exchanges, the

kicks, it looked like it was rather flat inside the stadium but then

things did heat up whenever a plea got themselves back into the game

and got territory and possession back. The tries coming from Keith

Earls, filling the boots of Bob well. Italy, they would have been

even closer than they are but they're iconic captain brought them

level just before the break but then Tommy Bowe with his 21st try

for Ireland. At half-time, 17 - 10. And an interesting second half in

prospect. We will hear the thoughts of Keith and Martin at the moment.

First, Luke Fitzgerald. It is feeling rather quiet in the stadium.

Apart from the Italian so the top of the stand. But this has sprung

into life? Both teams decided to hold onto the ball and they have

played territory. Once they were down, the key was more attention.

Philip Matthews said that Ireland It is tough, they would have been

frustrated after not playing for a couple of weeks but they bounced

back. You always expect a tight affair against Italians, I am not

surprised we have got to this at half-time. If you give the Italians

any chance, they take it. Absolutely, they are capable of it.

There is a degree of familiarity between both teams. We know how

good they are and they showed how dangerous they can be. It is no

surprise Parisse got over the try- line at the end there. If both

teams can hold on to the ball that will be the decider of the game.

Hopefully we can do that better from the Irish perspective. More

from you in the second half. let's look at the statistics.

Territory at the moment is 50, 50. At one stage it was 65% for Ireland,

35 dittany. They have really clawed their way back Kian. -- back into

the game. At various stages we could have stopped and done the

analysis but it would have been a different complexion of the game.

It started flat. Totally flat and by the end of the second half it

was a really good game. Italy are I think we scored a lovely try.

do not think Ireland engaged properly for the first 20 minutes.

It was sloppy. At that stage they had 65% of possession but did not

use it too well. Before the match I was thinking what are we looking

at? I was hoping we could look at Earls because he is filling the

shirt of legend Brian O'Driscoll, and what a way to make your mark.

He is under a lot of pressure. This came first from D'Arcy, a bouncing

ball makes it hard for defence. That basically set up the field

kids, hold your debt. He takes a couple of steps back but it gives

them enough momentum when he gets the ball to run on to it and brush

over the tackle there. It was a really good score. If he get

anywhere near the line he scores well, some of the rest of his game

may be not up to be scrapped of O'Driscoll but he knows where the

try-line is. When you are they established partnership like that

and a player that does play the same way as O'Driscoll plays, is

It is but D'Arcy is a Senior guy there, he needs to take more

control and responsibility and deliver for his younger partner.

That is what makes rugby fantastic, different things happen and you

must react. We talked about how important the back rows of both

teams were. Early on there was an exchange between Heaslip and

Parisse which gave Italy the thumbs up, I guess. Sergio is a good ball

carrier, you can see here. But I think what happens here is top

level. Botes back row is really good but Italy are playing well

with the three we have at the back. that, good hands, good space, and

and he is at the centre of everything good that it's any do.

He was not taking any chances where Parisse is an iconic captain, or is

at the centre of everything. You go yourselves a try right on the

stroke of half-time. -- you get yourselves. Ireland had a chance to

take the score, they to good. They kicked into the corner twice in the

first half to make certain they could go for seven points, which is

a risky strategy but one they believe in. But it was a pass that

to bounce, or bounces, people come out of the line, they do not know

where it is going. I would have stuck my head down, it was very

unselfish of him. Maybe Steven Ferris just wants to keep his head

Bowe was with us a year ago, on the touchline. The walls. He struggled

a few weeks ago when he played against Wales but when he gets the

chance again he will score -- he was. Botes an interesting selection.

We discussed that earlier. He missed a couple of crucial kicks

against England but today he was kicking from the off. -- his

it. This is not his position, his position is No. 9. Faure man who

has known his position, this is his second or third Test, playing Ellis

level, he is doing all right. so tough for Italy. They are

getting their chances but not taking them and it becomes very

hard. It reminds me of Ireland in the late 1990s. I remember playing

them, we had a good pack of forwards, we were not really

setting the world alight in the back line and we were playing a

style that suited us. Italy have played a style that has suited them

for the last the years but they are trying to expand it, but they need

a goal kicker and a 10 to take It is the 30th parents in strong,

and Dominguez, so it is the most unsettling area of the pitch. --

pairing. It is, after them, it is difficult to fit into it.

Frustrating as a Ford? Sometimes. - - as a forward. You're thinking...

I can't say in the studio what I am thinking. I have heard about your

language! Let's look at This weekend marks the 70th anniversary

-- Kian Healey's kick. -- Cian As a prop, if you get a knock-on

your head you have to go up and go Tomorrow Scotland take on France at

After this game, we have a One of your colleagues looking a

lot younger there. A lot younger. What you see happening in the

second half? We have the option of bringing on Burton. He might change

Botes but I think what Ireland did today in the first half was right,

they tried to hit Italy psychologically because they know

if it any go 10-10 in half-time, they know how we are about passion

and pride, I think it will be something done with confidence in

the changing room. I think that helps. Ireland went for the try and

go to the changing room with five points ahead, I think that will

help a bit. It will be crucial for Italy. 50 minutes is really where

the World Cup game that -- is where Ireland came ahead in that game.

think both sides played better but it was intensity and accuracy that

they showed after 50 minutes and that is what happened. They do not

Back to the commentary box. Ready for the second half. What you make

of the first half? Where do you see it going in the second? And sure

and Ireland come out they will approach the second after for me,

I've been your CV influence -- I think you will see the influence of

the half-time talk. The Italians chances and exploited the space out

wide which they had made. Then they looked like the better side but it

was scrappy from Ireland in the first half. It is all too

predictable if you are trying to run the ball out of your own 22, it

is easier for in -- for Italy to half back on partnership problems

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

they have had. Trump, and Dominguez as he flung that out. You could see

it Italy tried to what Ireland did in the first half, playing out of

their 22. Ireland did that really well, now they have a valuable

line-up on the Italian 10 yard line. This is a good attacking position

now. They really want to do that, at -- half-time. They would love to

from Paul O'Connell. The captain is the culprit. That is frustrating,

they were building momentum that. Got a bit of penetration, Sean

O'Brien let that rock and got behind the gain-line. That has just

won the momentum back to Italy. They will find a touch here. They

are putting Ireland back in their own half. Not what Declan Kidney

touch. I am thinking of all the imports that came to try and fill

that Joseph. Craig Gower, from Australia, I think he is leading

out the Broncos tomorrow. None of them have really worked. It is like

a quarterback in American football, probably the most difficult place

to play where maturity and experience count for so much.

Almost an overlap appearing there and sense it through but it will

Italy. And a penalty for the Italian is. The Irish tackle isn't

rolling away. Sean O'Brien is the man penalised. You can see what

that has come from but effectively from the turnover position from the

penalty that Paul O'Connell giveaway. That gives possession

back to Italy. Ireland forced to kick very deep from their own half.

It isn't that Italy are doing anything particularly dangerous

when they have possession but Alan are just giving away penalties and

spending too much time in their own half. They have to hold on to

possession and that is really about discipline and concentration and

controlled aggression. Falls onto the shoulders and the boot of

Tobias Botes. He has not long qualified through his residency

kick. And he knows. Again, you have to keep the scoreboard moving and

take your chances but that was wide by a long way. The width of two

posts, miles away. That will dishearten the rest of the team.

Sergio Parisse, doing his best to carry. Paul O'Connell flopped down

on it. D'Arcy. Ferris. He gets away well. Ireland keep it alive. Sexton.

And Sean O'Brien. He sings his shoulder into Leonardo Ghiraldini.

Jamie Heaslip. Still going. Donnacha O'Callaghan. Ireland

looking to punish Italy for their mistakes. Conor Murray. D'Arcy

again. Stephen Ferris is through! The ball is loose and Italy will

have it. Even as Gordon D'Arcy stretches over the line. Scrum to

Italy. That was a great tackle coming in. Ferris does well. It was

well covered. Tommy Bowe was well covered. That was good Italian

defence. That is what we want to see Stephen There is doing, taking

the ball on himself. He is such a powerful runner, he can really get

behind this Italian defence. -- Stephen Fairless. Looking for Tommy

Bowe again. And he is a huge figure. It bounced through Quintin

Geldenhuys on the second row. So, pressure on the Italians in the

shadow of their own posts. This has given Ireland field position. Italy

are under pressure and there will have to play in their own half. At

some stage, Ireland will want to make sure they put this back as

deep as possible into the Italian half. Force the shallow kick to

touch. Leonardo Ghiraldini. Well Ireland get the squeeze on Italy?

This will go the way of the Ireland penalty. The scrum have been doing

their work. They did have a few difficulties in the first half.

Italy are then just pushed back. That was a great effort from the

Irish front five. Jonathan Sexton will not pass up this opportunity,

will he? I think it was a Michele Rizzo standing up. A few months ago,

-- moments ago, it looked like Ireland would be forcing themselves

And Ireland have a ten-point advantage. When you can take your

point and get into position, as Ireland have been doing and Italy

have not... That puts more daylight between them and turns the pressure

back on a plea, which should make it easier for Ireland but they need

to keep discipline. Conor Murray swipes at Downfield. Andrea Masi.

He crashes into he leave. That little chip. -- into Cian Healy. In

the end, he did very well, the flanker. Carried on by Lorenzo

Cittadini. The ball is out, says the referee and it comes back into

the Italian half. Accidental offside, Ireland scrum. Tobias

Botes, he has executed those little chips very well but because

Islander concentrating on getting faster defence and leaving some

space behind, that is something that Italy have worked on before

this game. Robert Barbieri was wise to it. Canadian by birth from

Toronto. His brother made his debut for Canada on the same day that he

made his debut for Italy. Worth pointing out that both Italian

half-backs are also a scrum hands. -- harms. --halfs. Ireland with the

ball and Stephen Frears. Rob Kearney, steps out of the 22 and

sends it towards the boots of Giovanbattista Venditti. The one

macro comes forward. -- Andrea Masi. And that is the penalty. Well, that

might have seemed like kick into nothing by Rob Kearney but to be

honest, the way this Italian side are playing, they have not been

kicking particularly well. They're far too deep. I can see Ireland

using that more and forcing Italy to make those bad kicks. That gives

them possession back again in a better position. And a wild slice

from the outset of the but. They will have a line-out but not much

ground gained. The stadium very quiet today. Just little sparkles

of life as Ireland have come forward. And the noise again is

really only coming from Italian O'Callaghan. Sexton. Pots inside to

Tommy Bowe. Ferris with that dive. Rob Kearney, he frees himself.

Eventually taken down by his opposite number, Andrea Masi. Rory

Best. But D'Arcy had not arrived into position. Ireland still look

more dangerous than Italy when they get the chance to run. O'Connell.

Connery looks both ways and finds Sexton. D'Arcy. Ugly pass. It did

not go forward, says the referee. And Keith Earls sense that this

wonderful kick. And makes it very best of pretty poor position.

Sergio Parisse is complaining but I am not sure that ball did go

forward? I think the referee was right. Actually, it did drop short

of the line. Sergio Parisse thought it was out on the full. The change

being in at scrum half for Ireland. On comes Eoin Reddan. And off goes

Conor Murray. He was just a little hesitant and Declan Kidney want a

bad ball away quicker. Good driving from Italy. Leonardo Ghiraldini. He

has gone backwards. Sergio Parisse, unchallenged. Rory Best eventually

takes him down. Ireland get the penalty. Italy holding onto the

ball. Again, the side is trying to play rugby out of their own half.

This is like role reversal from the first half. Well Ireland go for the

posts or pressure? I think they will go for pressure. Rob Kearney,

left-footed, coming up for the kick to touch. The this will meet with

general approval inside Lansdowne Road. Sergio Parisse is disgruntled.

And he does that. Just taking Ireland into the 22. That was the

right play. They really want to keep this pressure up on Italy and

keep them deep within their own half. A Ireland had a line-out but

their hooker, Rory Best, is still being patched up. Sergio Parisse.

His facial expression says, I think you are wrong. So, Rory Best is

back with us and Ireland have this attacking line-out. And the volume

has been turned up again, just for the moment. This is a very long

throw. Challenged well and stolen at the back by Italy. Good work

from the Italians. And a chance for Edoardo Gori to clear. Still comes

back to Italy. Lorenzo Cittadini. Edoardo Gori, sending it longer

this time. Sexton. Trimble coming into the line. Rob Kearney, he

steps around one, two out- accelerate. -- and accelerates. And

the space opening up for Ireland. D'Arcy. Eoin Reddan. Keith Earls.

O'Brien alongside for some muscle. Eoin Reddan finds Paul O'Connell.

Straight into Alessandro Zanni. The ball goes lose. But a legally

slapped back by Italy and Ireland have another penalty. That was

great play from Rob Kearney, he has really looked greatness afternoon

and he has found space. He has always broken the game down.

Ireland just running back into this crowded area again. Sexton will

have a go at this. And a change of plan. The last plan did not work.

Italy waiting to make some changes. On the wings. Antonio Pavanello and

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

and sent it through. Ireland are not moving ahead in leaps and

bounds but moving ahead anyway. Italy, Botes is off and Chris

Burton on in his place. Ireland back row for Sean O'Brien. -- Peter

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

quick ruck ball, so they set it up. Ferris produces it, that is that

strong running again that we wanted to see. They wanted to produce that,

that pass from Sexton had to be picture-perfect. He committed

himself to the intercept and probably would have gone all the

way. Ireland are really now on top. The sustained territorial pressure

has yielded points. The end they get these chances you feel a try is

always going to come but every time they get into the 22... By its

right, all they need to do is produce that one quick ball, if

they slowed down, they go again. Getting the likes of Stephen Ferris

on that ball, running straight and hard, taking a few defenders with

him, quick ball back. I was a bit perfect kicking record so far today

points now file and in the final quarter of this match. Italy looked

beaten. This is where it gets difficult for them. Psychologically

they need to keep their heads up and get territory. If they start

trying to sit back and let Ireland come on to them, Ireland could

easily score another 12. In what is left of this game. More changes for

Italy which will bring -- its LEA - Canale coming on, an experienced

back. -- Italy, Kamali is coming on. centre. -- Canale. Italy will have

moment from the Italian back line. They caught Ireland culled from the

restart. No real sign from Head's - - of heads going down there from

Italy. The attack that position with intensity and nearly pulled it

since he came on. There is Peter money earning his first cap for

Ireland today. -- Peter O'Mahoney. It has been a difficult afternoon

for Sean O'Brien, Ireland have not had the go forward possession that

he likes to be taken, too much of the time they were looking to the

back row to get the momentum going. Sean O'Brien prefer somebody else

to get their his initial picks, then he can come deep making those

lines. Ferris has been impressive. He has pretty much broken the game

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

and every time he has got the ball outside at the moment. They have

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

will wait until after this line-out. It was so good, there was no way

the chase could have stopped the quick line-outs and Italy have

chosen not to take it. That is the rip, who ripped the ball out of

Parisse's hands, a grey steel by Paula, King of for the penalty. --

into the Italian half. The referee said knock-on, it looked like it

went backwards. Italy survive that Irish attack. A Mike Ross will be

looking forward to the Monday Vidya session when he sees that. He is in

a place where he does not need to be. He is cutting out the long pass

and is not dynamic enough to be coming on. Five changes have been

made for it to be. That is the on, well, he came on briefly, then

went back. Looked like they move Tommy Bowe into inside centre. --

they moved. The reason we are fussing so much about Ronan O'Gara

is that he will become Ireland's record cup holder ahead of Brian

O'Driscoll if and when he comes on. Tom caught and Sean Cronin getting

ready there. -- Tom Court. Declan Kidney is deep inside but stadium.

I wonder what he makes of this? At times it has been good, at other

replacements now? Not yet. Ronan O'Gara is disrobe, not entirely, he

held it at the back and marched them a few yards. A chance here for

binding by Ireland at the scrum. to come on for Ireland. Three of

them. Sean Cronin comes on for Rory Best. There is a Ronan O'Gara, Cat

No. 118 for Ireland. -- cap. One more than O'Driscoll. Hundred and

18 caps since he made his debut back in 2000. Incredible

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

through the Irish ranks. Ireland will certainly want to take this

momentum and score another try in the final 10 minutes. It isn't easy.

Still another 10 minutes left. And the substitutes are breaking up the

pattern, Tommy Bowe in the centre. That is a real mistake from Ronan

O'Gara. He has thrown back loose kick. Anti- spirals that one into

touch. Yes, just as Ronan O'Gara missed that, Paul O'Connell really

was going beyond again. Great support. The substitutes are

breaking up the combinations. Tommy Bowe has been working really hard

from his wing. It will be up to Fergus McFadden to start doing some

of that work. The hooker from I Rony is on. The territory, just

about the same percentages. And in the second half, they made that

play. Just about back on his feet. Tommaso D'Apice waits. The stuffing

seems to have been knocked out of Italy just a little bit. Level at

10 - 10 just before half-time and that try just before the break for

Ireland was telling. Ireland have pulled away in the second half.

suppose the big one is that turnovers. Italy have turned

Ireland over six times. Or, conceding six of them, I should say.

An Ireland conceding only two of that long. 180 points only against

Italy. Italy have changed the scrum half. There he is. Fabio Semenzato.

Enjoying his first touch of the ball somewhere down there. And the

scrum to Ireland. Another hold up. The crowd have gone quiet, we have

entered that quiet time when we are thinking about the final whistle.

Ireland will want to finish this off. They will want to at least

make the score board flatter. It has been slightly below

expectations in terms of performance. The penalty to Ireland.

Number one penalised. Keep your head and shoulders above. The tight

outside, he has gone down almost immediately, conceding that penalty.

What can Ireland do from this line out? Sean Cronin with his first

throw. Just a reminder that England against Wales at Twickenham is

coming up at 4 o'clock. Not that we have given up entirely on this one.

Ireland would like a force tried to put the gloss on a performance that

has been patchy. -- 4th try. They are just walking Italy back to

their own 22. Tommy Bowe. Almost coming through at the angle...

Penalty to Ireland. Quickly taken by Eoin Reddan. Again, Ireland

picking up the pace. Rob Kearney is in there. Sean Cronin, the

replacement hooker. Bon Reddan. Jamie Heaslip could not quite get

the ball away. Fergus McFadden steps in. Ronan O'Gara. Into some

heavy traffic. Still with Ireland, though. O'Connell. Within five

metres of the Italian line. Closing in. But that that will not gone

from Italy to see if that try. The scrum to Ireland. Ireland seemed to

have the upper hand. In the second half. Everybody would have loved to

have seen Paul O'Connell going the distance, there. Ireland have won

the ball 38 times at the 22. It has been pretty one-sided in the

statistics and on the scoreboard. And the sense that Ireland might

just finish this off with another try. They have a big blind-side to

operate with. It looks like they will pack that line-out. That could

well just to be bringing Italian quickly. O'Connell. Their chance,

still. Still held at bay, three metres out. The advantage again.

The penalty coming for them. So close. Yes! They try is given. The

referee is looking to his assistant but the try has been given. No. 4

for Ireland. Tom Court got the ball down eventually. He was pleased

with that one. Still five points. Ireland certainly would have scored

because they had the numbers outside. He had to make it count,

and he did. The first international try, I think, for Tom Court.

Absolutely. He'd just got it, there. Through Tommaso D'Apice. The

defection of the ball touching the line. That is enough. The first try

for Ireland. Sexton will continue, handsome victory for Ireland, now.

And a couple of minutes remaining. All-Ireland really needed to do was

spend time down at the 22. Any decent ball, they have been

converting their chances. His 7th kick from seven attempts. Italy

have looked distinctly second best again. That was secured by Peter

O'Mahony. Kristopher Burton. Giovanbattista Venditti. 50 seconds

remaining. The man-of-the-match, presumably for his kicking...

the challenge from Andrew Trimble. It will be another try for Ireland!

And Andrew Trimble has a gift from Ed Leigh. Just about as the clock

hits. 40 minutes are up and Ireland are completely and utterly out of

sight. I think Declan Kidney will have a couple of things to say

about that. Lovely dummy. Just come across. He will never be caught

from there. Donnacha O'Callaghan looks reasonably happy with the

proceedings. And Andrew Trimble, with his 10th try for Ireland. It

looks on the scoreboard as if it has been emphatic. But the

performance, they will know, leaves room for improvement. By I don't

think Declan Kidney would alter anything other than that margin.

There are some things he has to work on. In terms of management of

territory. But overall, I think he would be happy enough. They have

often played better. And not come out with that margin. The final

kick, fittingly, going to the Man of the Match. With his eighth

attempt. Seven successful so far. He fails. Disappointment at the

last but apart from that, it was a complete performance from Jonathan

Sexton. And Ireland by the pottery emphatic winners. 42 - 10. They

will be very happy with that margin. That gets their Six Nations back on

the road again. A few things to think about, territory, they spent

too much time in their own half but overall they will be pretty pleased

with that result. The other side is that Italy were pretty poor at

times and deservedly second best. Would they go? Ireland know that

they go on this mad tour around the other cities for the next three

weeks. They have a hectic schedule. They had the game against France to

deal with. They have a decent physical test ahead of that. But

they know that that performance will not do in Paris and they will

have to step their match up a little bit. At least they were

dangerous when they got the quick ball and into the 22, they were

converting opportunities. Italy, the old traditional weaknesses

exposed with that lack of creativity. They cannot find the

right man for that pivotal role. The same winning margin as it was

in the World Cup. It does not get any easier for Italy. They are in

Cardiff in two weeks. They finished up playing against Scotland at the

Olympic Stadium in Rome. Ireland play France next Sunday. And then

Scotland and then England at Congratulations and it was an

emphatic win in the end against Italy but what about that

performance? It was a good team performance, we played a lot of

rugby in our own half and in the first half. The scores came. Told

about having to break down this team. Just about keeping composer?

All week, it took us 50 minutes to break them down in the World Cup.

They are a very strong physical team. But we script The victory in

the end and it was well needed. good to see you Ulster team-mate

running in with at the 5th try? was good to see him on the

scoresheet and rounded this off nicely. One or two disappointing

results in the Aviva Stadium of late. Did you feel as if you owe

something to the crowd? We talked about putting in a big performance.

Yes, it came in the end. The result was the main thing. We worked hard

all week and I were still level was fantastic and I think we got

ourselves to another level. We need to keep it going. We have three

tough games ahead of us but Redemption for Ferris after that

opening match against Wales. This What are you most pleased about

with that victory? The size of it, the fact it was a victory, at that

they did score tries at the end of it, that the guys that came off the

bench played well, that there was a new captain Peter O'Mahoney, who

has a big future, they looked strong in the second half but had

been they put themselves under a lot of pressure so there is a lot

to work on. Was there a bit of rustiness, lethargy, having missed

that game, in the first half? It took them a while to warm up.

not sure if it was rustiness, or lack of intensity. That is where I

would retreat -- worry. The St you can get over, intensity, that is a

fortnight that they had not played with the attention to detail which

could be down to lack of intensity, which I think it probably is.

were you most disappointed about? The discipline? We did in the

second half what we did not do in the first half and at this level

you cannot miss a tackle, make mistakes, or missed penalties,

which is what we did. Italy lost the game in that first few minutes.

That scrum we lost, I told you before the game, I think we put --

The score is a big margin, we have a lot to work on. I think it was

redemption for Ferris, man of the match. Grey bricks from him. One

eventually led to Tommy Bowe's second try. This one could have

Canale shouldn't have come and at the end of it. -- come in. None of

the forwards at the right side could get to the left, then one big

well placed pass to the end. See the power and strength of the push.

A very quick ball, but if you look at the Sexton pass, he looked up,

saw where the Italian defenders were, it was a lovely pass, good

score for Tommy Bowe. We may have made ferrous man of the match but

made ferrous man of the match but We will give it to him. Tom Court

came on and made an impact. It was one of the key elements of the win,

the impact of the players coming in the impact of the players coming in

off the bench. You can even see in this that a Ryan gets a good game

line -- Donnacha Ryan gets a good looked tired, they were struggling,

falling off tackles. Ireland looked more comfortable in the last 20

minutes. I think the changes made a Donnacha Ryan in the second row,

for me, I can't understand why he I think he has played well and when

you have a foreign player who has an impact like that when he steps

on, he needs to be picked. Botes, we talked about your frustration,

the kicks he missed, the drop goal, the field position he failed to

gain for Italy. He had a great gain for Italy. He had a great

had to hold for 50 minutes, it is like that, and a thing we need to

work a lot. It is not our physicality, all passion, it is

making mistakes when we do not need to. I think we paid for that.

kind of killed off the Italian When you lose a line-out at five

metres, that kind of thing is really hard for a forward. But is

that time, 15 minutes, that Ireland pulled away and eventually that is

what happened, very frustrating. For a team like Italy you're trying

to change, there will always be the case if they do not take their

points because they need to be 15 minutes in having taken every

opportunity, almost in the lead, and they would have been if they

put over the points. But instead they are 10 points down, struggling,

things are not going against them, they are getting tired. You are

fitter if you're in with a chance of the game, and they were out of

it almost at that stage. Two more games this weekend. Wales against

England at Twickenham coming up Let's have a quick word on the

England-Wales game. What did you make of England in Rome? I played

for 30 minutes but I think England were not playing at the level there

used to play, but maybe Wales is the favourite to win this game. It

is not easy to win against England at home. I know what home means for

the English people and I don't think it will help Wales. But Wales

have shown how good they are here. I do not think England will let

them win easily. I think it is a big plus. I think England should

have lost the first two matches and did not, that is a great thing to

have. They have not played as well as they would have liked but still

come away with victories which will give them confidence. I think to

lead the makes them a stronger team. Nick Mallett has put his name in

the ring for the England job, he played with them for a long time,

would he be a good England manager? I do not think -- if you ask me as

a player, it means a lot, I think he made us grow a lot as an Italian

team. It was a big loss for us. He has a lot of passion and if you

need to say something to his face, he will say it. I love him and it

is -- he is a great man. Thank you so much, I know you are frustrated

because you would rather be down there. I promise you we would do it