Ireland v Italy Six Nations Rugby

The legend began 60 46 Nations games ago. 140 caps. A world record. There

is only one of him. Two games to go. What rugby flesh must bear. War

paint, smudges, here. Inc, suffering.

Friday night and Wales' campus had to be right. This way lies true

north. France, and be done until this night, crushed, out of luck.

The mightiest reduced to the sneer. Wills' campus and the bearing of a

captain who knows exactly where he's going. France reduced again to the

cheap shot. This game settled long before the end. How different in

Rome. Between Ray Nansen this suede one-way and the ever. -- between

rain and snow. Advantage Italy. Alex Dunbar of Scotland. Double Alex

Dunbar. Advantage Scotland. Italy missing a chance and nailing

another. A perfect Sergio Parisse pass and Italy in ecstasy. Only four

Duncan Weir to raise Scotland so very high at the death. And what

might England do at home at last at Twickenham. Oh, no. Oh, no. The pain

and the joyride of Rob Kearney. England's second-half revival. No

team in round three would run free like Danny Care. Congestion at the

top. They will be 22 other men wearing an

Ireland 's jersey this afternoon but they are playing a supporting role

to the elite player. The glue that has bound this Irish team together

throughout the 21st-century. There is one potential stumbling blocks to

a perfect farewell to Dublin, an Italian team still hurting from

their last-gasp defeat to Scotland to it though. But today is all about

one man. Once world player of the decade but even the greatest actors

have to leave their favourite stage at one point and today is that Dave.

For Brian O'Driscoll. Onto the broader issues of this year 's

championship, it was always going to go to the wire and the points

difference. France Ireland is the last match in Paris next weekend and

that could be the decider depending on what happens today and dovecot

tomorrow -- and of course tomorrow. Ireland have a substantial point

advantage at the moment. I am joined by Keith Wood and Jeremy Guscott.

The Irish cannot lose today can they? They cannot take their eye off

the ball. They need to make sure they get a lot of points. They

wanted to be a fitting farewell as well to Brian O'Driscoll. -- they

want it. Italy have lost three but they are playing pretty well. They

are playing with more balance and the way they are using the ball

between forwards and backs. They are playing more expansive. The

distribution is allowing them to score more tries. Today is so much

but Brian O'Driscoll. An excellent programme that the Irish have

produced today and a souvenir which includes this post of Brian

O'Driscoll going back through the decades and the hair gets it has to

be said. Is he the greatest centre you have seen? Yes. What has

impressed me about him is his ability to adapt and change

throughout his career. It shows how clever he is. He sets the standard.

He is a classic rugby player. He has had some terrible hair styles! But

he has set the place alike. He had one season when he dropped below his

high standards before they are the 14 seasons he has been phenomenal.

He will lead the side of the day and that will be a huge moment for him

and every Irish fan in the Aviva Stadium. This match last year was

not one of the highlights of his career because he got yellow carded

the stamping and Ireland lost. -- for stamping.

Italy lead Ireland 6-3. Gonzalo Garcia has extended the Italian

league. Brian O'Driscoll is in the sin bin. The biggest roar of the

afternoon so far. And Italy have beaten Ireland.

In Rome last year, fantastic result, is there a whiff of an upset

in Dublin today? You always play to win. It will be tough year in Dublin

today. Ireland have a strong side and we will see how our team

perform. We have some important players missing like the captain

Sergio Parisse. If gives the team a good opportunity to prove themselves

without the skipper. Marco Bortolami says he is out to destroy the party.

What is the feeling like in the dressing room? We have to pay

tribute to a fantastic player like Brian O'Driscoll. Congratulations to

him for his great career. If you play you want to win. We would like

to accept the celebrations but we pay great tribute to him.

This is a much changed Italian team from the one beaten by Scotland.

Martin Castrogiovanni will become Italy's most capped player. Marco

Porta Lani will lead the side. -- Marco Bortolami. Robert Barbieri

takes over from Sergio Parisse. Tito Tebaldi and Luciano Orquera Avenue

halfback combination. The midfield duties go to Michele Campagnaro and

Gonzalo Garcia. One of the key selections is Tito Tebaldi at scrum

half because the halfbacks have been a problem to Italy. There is a lot

resting on their shoulders at this afternoon. They will have to make

some key decisions. They need to communicate those decisions to the

team. It is his first international to two years so how difficult is it

going to be for him to switch straight back in to what is going to

be an extraordinary atmosphere estimate his first few actions will

be on adrenaline but after that he will settle down. He has been

playing well at the Ospreys. It is a step up but he'll be fine. Plenty of

good players in the Irish team. This week we thought we would focus in --

on the brothers in the Irish backline. Are you Rob or Dave? It is

my house but he is very welcome. I'm the boss. I'm the quiet one. What is

it like living together? You are looking at the most unstressed man

in the country. He is easy to with. I might be the other way. Did you

fight at kids? I think there is something wrong as kids if you are

not bashing each other. What was it like you when you are looking at

your older brother winning trophies? I was always known as his younger

brother but it doesn't bother me. I think Dave 's biggest strength is

the ability to not care and he waited until its time came. If the

roles were reversed, I think I would struggle in that situation. Do you

analyse each other's games? Yes. We review each other's games the same

way that coaches would. We were looking at something in the England

game last week and I said Joe Schmidt is going to say something to

you about that. He will do the same. And did it come up? Yes. What would

you describe as his weaknesses? Say it. You are thinking it. I would

like to see him be a bit more vocal on the field. The days of winners

are standing on their wing waiting for ball has gone. You have to be

able to pick your right time and think if you phase is ahead. --

think a few phases ahead. I am quite laid-back person. Rob the opposite.

He is very serious sometimes. It is a Big Brother thing. They always

tell the under brother what to do. Pack your bags. You are gone!

You enjoyed meeting them didn't you? I did. It was like a competition.

They are very comfortable. It is a great atmosphere for them. They know

what they do from day-to-day and they are relishing every moment of

it. We are going to talk a lot tomorrow but Mike Brown and Leigh

Halfpenny. How well is Rob Kearney playing at the moment? Considering

his Lions experience with he was injured and was expected to

challenge Leigh Halfpenny, he has really started to play well. He is

an incredibly talented full all. He has all the skill set. When he is on

fire as we saw against New Zealand in the autumn, he does us do this

side up. He is a quality player. Let's hear from the Irish coach. The

newspapers devoted to Brian O'Driscoll and Jonny Sexton. How are

both players? Brian is fine and he was kicked to come sooner than

later. They has been a fair bit of fuss made about the final game at

the Aviva Stadium but it is also a lot more than that. Being the first

man to 140 caps is something which is exceptional. He is an exceptional

player. He deserves that sort of award and I'm sure he will befit

that with the right sort of performance today. So we'll Sexton.

The injury is a non-issue. -- so we'll Jonny Sexton. He has trained

well. There is no real issue with his injury. This championship will

be decided by points difference. Are you expecting a lot of tries today?

No. I'm expecting a very tough battle. The Italians are good across

the. They have kept the least of any team so they are playing with the

ball a lot so it's hard enough to get it off of them let alone play

with it. We have to make sure we get the basic things right. We need to

get in front and not try and chase any points differential. This is the

team at the top of the Championship table. Rory Best has recovered form

since the Lions. He is still coming to terms with his ankle injury. O

Connell is always going to lead from the front but more is expected from

Toner. Iain Henderson is yet to start this season in the back row.

It is a big call. His future may be in the second row but today he has

the huge task of filling the other player's boots. They have backed's

kicking let him down last week. Marie Anne Sexton will look to take

control. The end of an era. -- Merrimack and Sexton. The reaction

of the crowd will tell you all you need to know about Brian O'Driscoll.

Rob Kearney is back to his best and his brother has fit comfortably into

International Rugby Board for all the facts and figures. --

International Rugby. Brian O'Driscoll has played 800 more

minutes of the Six Nations rugby than any other player. But he knows

there is a match to be one today to end his lifelong romance with Dublin

on a high note. Beautiful by Brian O'Driscoll!

O'Driscoll! Just a genius! The record try scorer. A drop goal

from O'Driscoll. Beautifully struck. A magnificent run, all the way.

Will these go? Of course he will. That is why he is the best centre in

the world. O'Driscoll scores! Beautiful pick-up! The one and only

Brian O'Driscoll. And these are the men looking to

spoil Brian O'Driscoll's farewell party at the Aviva Stadium today.

Quite a considerable number of Italian fans in Dublin today walking

around the City centre. From an Italian perspective, what are the

key elements that Italy have to do? It seems that for a lot of the game

this Championship, the team is playing well but individuals have

made mistakes that have completely kibosh what they have been doing as

a team. -- kiboshed. They need to start the game well. They need to

get the game under control. The strike runners of Ireland will

punish them. They need to assert dominance, to be able to allow them

to earn the right to go back. How can they be dominant without

Parisse? Everyone is needing to stand up and be counted. They need

to communicate and be aggressive. They need to get their set pieces

right and be precise with the rucks. This is the man of the moment. This

is the man of the last 15 years of Irish rugby. This is his moment, one

last time, to walk onto this playing field that he has graced with such

distinction for 15 years. A huge ovation for Brian O'Driscoll on

this, his 140th international appearance, breaking the world

record. And there is a fantastic tribute to him in the Irish

Independent newspaper today. As the rest of the team come out. Lots of

his former team-mates being asked of their first impressions of them.

Ten, 12, 15 years ago. Conor O'Shea, the director of rugby at Harlequins,

he described meeting Brian O'Driscoll at the first time. He

said he must have weighed two and a half stone, a spindly kid but the

first time we saw him, we looked at each other and we knew that he had

more skill in his little finger on the whole team put together. Is he

Ireland's best ever? Yes, and certainly in the professional era by

a stretch. And think we have the presidential anthem in at the

moment. Maybe after he has hung up his boots, Brian O'Driscoll will be

president of Ireland. You feel that he could have it in him to do that.

What did you think of him when you met him? We were playing pool in the

tearoom. He was wearing a pair of glasses, blind to fashion. The

second he started playing, he was a legend. The president is here.

Another great line in one of the papers about Brian O'Driscoll, a

magician with the most perfect manners.

And there is misses Driscoll senior, his mother, Geraldine. She will be

very proud. The one thing that stood out about Brian from the first day

was his attitude. It was uncompromising. He was so angry at

himself if he made the slightest bit of a mistake. At training, he was

superlative. For all Brian O'Driscoll and his achievements in

the past, and what he hopes to achieve, Ireland have got to win

upfront in the forward battle. Let's have a chat with Phil Matthews. What

about the front five for Ireland and particularly the man playing

alongside Paul O'Connell? Devin Toner, he has been sailing under the

radar. It is a challenge for somebody of his height. But he has

been fundamental to the stats this year, particularly strong in the

line-out. He has taken so much pressure. He has added to the

variety of Paul O'Connell, and he has been key to the success of the

Irish ball and also to their territorial game. He's going to be

hugely influential. It is Brian O'Driscoll's day but think Devin

Toner will be a huge influence. If Italy are going to succeed, they are

going to need to get on top of this Ireland eight. And how patient to do

Ireland have to be? If it is 3-3 after 20 minutes, how patients do

they have to be to think it is not going as they assumed? There is no

question they are going to have to be patient. Italy will want to

dominate. Joe Schmidt will have stressed, and think about who you

are playing but think about our personal standards. Don't panic. Do

not judge yourself by the opposition. Again, I think he has

added another elements to this Irish team and hopefully it will be

maintaining. Standards. They will not panic. That is the New Zealand

way. Expect them to get on top in the second half. Can you see any way

that Italy could win this game? If they are patient and mature in

making at the right time, it could frustrate them. They need to stay in

the fight. They need to be in control of what they are doing. The

camera is focusing on Brian O'Driscoll. Like a radar, it seems.

And the applause for his face on the big screen. It is one last time for

the Irish public to see an Irish Euro on Irish soil in an Irish

jersey. And the family are here in force. An unforgettable day to fill

the family album. The commentary comes from Eddie Butler after the

anthems. ITALIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM PLAYS.

# Fratelli d'Italia. # L'Italia s'e desta.

# Dell'elmo di Scipio. # S'e cinta la testa.

# Dov'e la vittoria? # Le porga la chioma.

# Che schiava di Roma. # Iddio la creo.

# Fratelli d'Italia. # L'Italia s'e desta.

# Dell'elmo di Scipio. # S'e cinta la testa.

# Dov'e la vittoria? # Le porga la chioma.

# Che schiava di Roma. # Iddio la creo.

# Stringiamoci a coorte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

# Italia chiamo. # Stringiamoci a coorte.

# Siam pronti alla morte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

# Italia chiamo #. Si! # Come the day and come the hour.

# Come the power and the glory. # We have come to answer our

country's call. # From the four proud provinces of

Ireland. # Ireland, Ireland.

# Together standing tall. # Shoulder to shoulder.

# We'll answer Ireland's call. # Ireland, Ireland.

# Together standing tall. # Shoulder to shoulder.

# We'll answer Ireland's call. # We'll answer Ireland's call #.

It is the day Brian O'Driscoll's farewell to his home stadium in

Dublin. His last international today he wins captain cap 140, making it

him the most capped and player in rugby history. Ian Henderson comes

in, but it is all about one character. 132 caps plus eight for

the Lions, 144 Brian O'Driscoll. -- 140 four Ryan O'Driscoll. No Parisse

for Italy, the main character. Barbieri comes in to replace him at

number eight. And there is a change at halfback. To Baldi -- Tebaldi. He

takes over at nine. Nigel Owens of Wales is today's referee. Ireland

have played three and 12. Ireland have lost their three games -- Italy

have lost their three games. Can they hold out on this day charged

with emotion? It is charged with emotion. It was a menace rendition

of the anthem. This crowd are here to see Brian O'Driscoll off in

style. Round four of the Six Nations. Ireland's final home game

at the Aviva Stadium. The channel or carer Luciano Orquera kicks off. --

Luciano Orquera kicks off. Jonny Sexton. Brian O'Driscoll goes into

his first ruck. Rory Best, the harbour. -- the hooker. Not Jonny

Sexton's finest kick. It is still loose. A half chance for Leonardo

Sarto. Already signs that Ireland want to get the ball through the

hands. A little bit of inaccuracy from Jonny Sexton. They might have

gone wide but they set up the ruck and the Garryowen did not find its

mark. A reasonable position for Italy here. Tito Tebaldi, the

Italian scrum half plays his club rugby in Wales. He plays for the

Ospreys. This is Rory Best who is Ulster through and through. A lot of

those line-outs go to Devin Toner in the middle. Paul O'Connell is the

target this time. That is a good start by the Irish forwards. Paul

O'Connell who started it all with the catch in charge of the rolling

maul. Conor Murray. Jonny Sexton. Brian O'Driscoll feeds Rob Kearney.

Back goes Luke McLean. He has got a hefty left boot of his own. Ireland

going to the maul very early and they did that against the land at

Twickenham. They did not do it in the second half. They really want to

get on top of this Italy eight through the maul. Cian Healy comes

over to the front of the line-out. Ireland down to five. Paul O'Connell

standing behind Devin Toner. It is Devin Toner this time who catches.

Chris Henry. Rory Best tackled by his opposite

number Leonardo Ghiraldini. Jamie Heaslip. Gordon D'Arcy. A good

tackle by Luciano Orquera. This is Henderson. Cian Healy runs into

Martin Castrogiovanni. He is Italy's most capped player. Gordon

D'Arcy to Brian O'Driscoll. Jamie Heaslip. Devin Toner. Martin

Castrogiovanni led the charge out of the line. Chris Henry. Quintin

Geldenhuys. Andrew Trimble looking for work of his wing. Devin Toner

again. Good tackle on him by Paul Derbyshire. Cian Healy. Andrew

Trimble again. Paul Derbyshire again with the tackle. Jamie Heaslip. It

is all very patient by Ireland but they are not making too much ground

yet. Not even with Cian Healy in possession. Devin Toner again. I

don't think he was expecting that. Andrew Trimble again. Very busy but

very well tackled. Rory Best. Tackled by his opposite number

again. We are apt to 20 phases. We have only played five minutes.

Almost an interception by Luciano Orquera. 20 phases and they only

made five metres. That is great defence by Italy. They are putting

pressure on the Irish ball-carriers and are not giving them options are

bright. Ireland looking to get width on the ball but being forced

inside. They are packing the midfield and looking for those

interceptions. No way through the Gordon D'Arcy. -- for Gordon D'Arcy.

Is there a danger that Ireland might be trying to do too much early on?

Yes there is. We saw shades of that at Twickenham. Both sides when

they've got through to three phases were facing a wall of white wall of

green and Ireland are struggling to get beyond that initial gain line.

They will be more comfortable in the early stages and using them all to

get them some go forward because they are not getting any go forward

through with. -- with. Cian Healy is up against Mark --

Martin Castrogiovanni. Rock-solid Irish scrum. Jonny Sexton. Brian

O'Driscoll. Jonny Sexton on the loop. Jonny Sexton. The Leinster

partnership works. Try for Ireland. This is something that Brian

O'Driscoll has always brought to his game. The subtlety. He has taken a

bit of a knock from that later shoulder charge. More winded than

anything else, Jonny Sexton. We are going to have a review of an

incident after Jonny Sexton touched down. Was he hit late? It is whether

it was intentional or not. The try has been scored. I don't expect

anything to come from that. He held his ground and opened his arms. I

don't think there is anything wrong there. So Jonny Sexton scores the

try and the conclusion is to come. -- converge on. That Jonny Sexton

and Brian O'Driscoll combination works well again. Safely over. Jonny

Sexton with seven points. That start will please Ireland but not Italy.

That is the sleight of hand and adores -- it is all about the eyes.

Bryant O'Driscoll is facing one way but is in Beijing the Italian

defence and blindly gives the pasta Jonny Sexton. -- in gauging the

Ireland -- Italy -- in gauging the Italian defence.

It looks as if Italy is most capped player will have no further part to

play. Of goes one of the great characters of the game. Of goes

Martin Castrogiovanni and on terms Lorenzo Cittadini. -- on comes

Lorenzo Cittadini. Andrew Trimble with a safe catch. He sets it up for

Conor Murray. Irish line-outs are key. Ireland

will want to defend this aggressively. One stolen by Ireland

on the Italian through. Gordon D'Arcy. Luciano Orquera with the

tackle. Jonny Sexton with a good pass to Rob Kearney. Michele

Campagnaro misses the tackle. Jonny Sexton. Cian Healy knocked that

forward. It is turnover ball for Italy. Luciano Orquera. A chance for

Leonardo Sarto on the wing. He is still going through. Tito Tebaldi to

Luciano Orquera. Luke McLean, the fullback. The pass from Joshua

Furno. Foot in touch and out of play. That was a timely intervention

by Brian O'Driscoll. Italy had numbers out wide but the Irish

defence got across and it is an Irish line-out. The first bit of

ball Italy have had from a turnover. Rory Best with his hands on the

ball. Conor Murray having some treatment. Conor Murray stays back

from the line-out. Chris Henry is standing in the scrum half position.

That is over the top. Danger here if Leonardo Ghiraldini can pounce on

the ball. Knock by him. Chris Henry clears up the scraps. The ball was

out says the referee. Paul Derbyshire has made a lot of tackles

in this opening quarter. A good catch by Angelo Esposito. Italy have

numbers. Luke McLean. Leonardo Ghiraldini. That is a good pick-up.

Michele Campagnaro with the dummy. He finds Gonzalo Garcia. Good work

by the Italian centres. Paul Derbyshire. Marco Bortolami leaves

the ball behind. Marco Bortolami takes the ball at this time. Luciano

Orquera with the change of tactics. Paul Derbyshire intercepts. Angelo

Esposito. Luke McLean. Leonardo Ghiraldini against Devin Toner. The

number eight, Robert Barbieri. Alberto De Marchi, the prop. Ireland

have stolen it. The ball is going forward. Well...

Not been many set pieces in this opening 40 minutes,

again. Italy's defence, to the right, really organised. Forcing a

mistake from Ireland. Good defence from Italy. A lot of Italian tight

forwards being asked to make scrambling tackles. Do not imagine

they can do that for 80 minutes. And Ireland's fitness levels are the

highest in the championships, so you would expect things to start opening

up as we get through into 60 minutes, particularly the last

quarter. It is not surprising. Leonardo Ghiraldini is in no rush to

get to this line-up. Everybody is panting. 15 minutes played.

Relief for Italy, but they are being stretched. Rob Kearney, showing how

strong he is. Spinning away, and giving those vital few yards extra.

He keeps his legs pumping, looking for the off-load. Good decision. But

that was not long enough for Paul O'Connell. Scrum to Italy.

Ireland's scrum had been particularly strong so far. Let's

see if they can really put pressure on the Italianate. Think we will

have a replacement on the Irish side. Eoin Reddan. The scrum-half is

coming off. I'm not sure why that is. But that

would be a blow for Joe Schmidt. Conor Murray has nailed down his

position this year. On the other hand, Eoin Reddan will be quicker to

get the ball away. A quick word from Jason? I have been chatting to

Sergio Parisse said. An injury update on Giovanni. He is being

assessed right now but it turns out he has broken some ribs. His Six

Nations is over. And without Castrogiovanni, the Italian scrum

will go to Ireland. A little static from Ireland. Some

of their ball-carriers taking the ball standing still. They need to go

for it. Somebody needs to get beyond the gain line. -- game line. Left

with little option, oh and Reddan. They need to be looking for space.

-- Owen Reddan. Particularly from midfield positions.

An important role for Ghiraldini. -- throw.

A huge kick by Luke McLean. Have we had any penalties? Not yet, and very

few set pieces. A rare opportunity to get the defenders out of the way

and work something from a set piece. That is where Conor Murray has

picked up his injury. It might be his shoulder. Jason is on the case

and we will no doubt have an update from him. Rory Best. The forwards

are slowing it all down. If they go right, Ireland have

numbers. Instead, they have lost it. Audacity

from Italy. Not what Esposito had in mind. Joe Schmidt is going to be

frustrated. Creating decent situations, but Ireland are not

playing heads up rugby, not seeing the space. And the execution, the

ball attention is not what it should be. This is where they knock it on.

Not clear how that has been spilled but it has led Italy off the hook.

Jamie Heaslip with the headband at the front.

REFEREE: Play on, the tackle was made.

Brian O'Driscoll, plenty of space. It is certainly not on the gain

line. They are really packing it. An opportunity again to get those

defenders out of the midfield situation and into a set piece, to

try to get some space and go forward.

REFEREE: Them mole was formed. Scrum down. -- the maul. No penalties but

good defence by Italy. They are really in the contact situation,

stopping Ireland's momentum. They are static and upright, Ireland. The

attention to detail is not there. Too many errors. 12 tackles made by

Paul Derbyshire so far. That is a huge amount for the first 23

minutes. I think the record is 29 tackles in a game. He is on track to

do that. If this pace continues. Italy have had to make a lot of

tackles and scrummagers. Sato for the line! One try for

Ireland and now one for Italy. Italy were looking that more dangerous. It

was a simple, one-on-one tackle. The first was missed. It is not going to

be pretty viewing. Initially, it was Kearney's miss. But that was coming.

It was from a turnover ball. Trimble taking the ball into contact and

losing it. Ireland looked as though they had stifled it but a loose kick

through has given them the opportunity. Rob Kearney really

should have nailed his man there. He made it very difficult for Dave

Kearney coming across. He was given a big inside. And Italy deserve that

plucky defence in the face, giving Ireland no space at all, forcing

turnovers and taking that opportunity.

Luciano Orquera is taking his time with the kick. Ireland having a

moment of carelessness. Three or four handovers -- turnovers they

have handed to the Italians. They are not being patient. This Italian

defence is really good. They are tying Ireland app. Ireland are not

making any progress and they are getting frustrated. It was Brian

O'Driscoll's boot which handed the ball to Leonardo Sarto. It was a

great finish. He beat the fullback and the winner. Italy level at 7-7.

Ireland not -- look more comfortable when they playing of the dominance

their part. -- pack. They need to create those opportunities. Tito

Tebaldi to Luciano Orquera. Back to Luke McLean. Jonny Sexton. He

indicates he is going upwards. That is a bit too far. Luciano Orquera

drops it. Henderson. Devin Toner. And again Italy closing down. Devin

Toner taking it onwards. Paul O'Connell in support. If Ireland had

not had the knock-on they would have turned that over again. This is the

knock-on by Luciano Orquera. Ireland were not able to take advantage. A

little update on Conor Murray. Apparently he is just feeling

nauseous. Unless that is due to a collision on the ground and a knock

on the head. The towering figure of Quintin Geldenhuys. Ireland's

outside half has some planning to do. Maybe some rethinking about how

to play this. They need to rethink this because they are frustratingly

themselves. Italy's defence has been excellent so far. The pace of the

game has been high from the start. Italy seem very carefully defending

what Ireland are throwing at them. -- very comfortable. This is a nice

position. That is the 22 metre line on the left. I would expect Jonny

Sexton to play a little bit more of a territorial game and force some

deep line-outs from which they can get them all going. That does not

seem to be the tactic at the moment. This time Italy have turned one

against the head. REFEREE: The ball came out of the

eternal. -- of the kernel. -- of the candle.

He attacks on the blindside. Jamie Heaslip arrives. Cian Healy picks

up. Penalty advantage to Ireland. Jamie Heaslip. He is held up. The

ball hovering over the goal line. Marco Bortolami is the player

penalised. That penalty by Marco Bortolami stopped an almost certain

try. Italy did not have their defence organised. It was good heads

up rugby by Eoin Reddan. Jonny Sexton has opted to go for goal.

This is the yearly off the field at Ireland need to be playing in. They

are playing too much in the middle off the field. They really need to

start using territorial kicking to get more of the play deep into

Italian territory. They need to start to play from line-outs. They

are not getting the penetrating -- penetration yet because the Italian

defence is solid. It is Cian Healy was having his

right arm and shoulder attended to. -- who is having his right arm.

Ireland are apt to ten. This is the scrum and this is the break by Eoin

Reddan. The blindside wing forward had his head down. Eoin Reddan could

not keep his feet. Marco Bortolami came in from an offside position.

Ireland need to be converting those opportunities. Luciano Orquera high

into the 22. Andrew Trimble. And the pressure from the try scorer,

Leonardo Sarto. Luke McLean. He sets off again. Iain Henderson holds up.

Luke McLean gets to ground. Luciano Orquera. Looking for somebody large

to take it up. Luke McLean again. The dummy is bought. Luke McLean.

Nobody on his shoulder. Now the blue shirts arrive. Leonardo Ghiraldini.

Chris Henry brings the Italian hooker down. A tiny knock-on. Italy

playing with enterprise but Ireland buying dummies and missing tackles.

Paul O'Connell will not want to see that one on Monday morning. Ireland

at the Institute actively. They have had most of the possession. They

have had nearly 70% of the possession but they have not got the

points to show for it. The territory is a bit different, closer to 47% of

the game being played in Ireland's half. All the possession deep in

their own half. Alberto De Marchi is the player receiving attention.

There is a whole generation of extremely mobile props around now.

Cian Healy is one. They are running around like three quarters. And the

three quarters are the size of forwards now. Can Italy excel to any

pressure on this defensive Irish scrum? Rory Best will have to strike

for it. Leonardo Ghiraldini can support Alberto De Marchi on the

drive. Eoin Reddan caught in possession by Tito Tebaldi. Ireland

have done well to extricate themselves from that awkward

situation. Cian Healy comes away with it. Gordon D'Arcy. Rob Kearney.

That is not his longest kick. It is all under pressure. The slip at the

base of the scrum by Eoin Reddan. It was a beautiful clean strike. That

is just a little bit of miscommunication between Jamie

Heaslip and Eoin Reddan. Eoin Reddan was not expecting that. This

line-out for Italy has not been perfect. To have a fancy a drive?

Maybe Luke McLean fancies a run into the line. This Italian back three

look good with ball in hand. I suppose keeping Ireland honest and

second guessing is the way to go. A bang on the head the Paul

Derbyshire. The clock stops. There was a certain pessimism that came

with the Italians knowing they did not have Sergio Parisse. On comes

Manoa Vosawai. He will certainly add to the physicality. Let's talk to

Carlo about the Italian performance. It is positive because they are

looking to attack wide. They are fighting in the close contact

areas. Tito Tebaldi is using the ball well. The distribution as well

is making progress in the wider challenge -- channels. Here they

come again through Leonardo Ghiraldini. There is a spring in the

steps of the Italian runners. Penalty to Ireland. The Irish

defence. Chris Henry receives the plaudits. The possession is a

liability in this game because both defences are strong. Jonny Sexton to

Gordon D'Arcy. Brian O'Driscoll to Rob Kearney. Rob Kearney heads back

outside. Excellent thinking by Eoin Reddan at the breakdown. Luciano

Orquera with the tackle. Jonny Sexton to Iain Henderson. He goes on

his own. Tackled by Angelo Esposito. Cian Healy at the short side. Paul

O'Connell. Josh Furno makes the tackle. Gordon D'Arcy cuts back and

is held up by Marco Bortolami. Henderson again. Jamie Heaslip. Rory

Best. Rob Kearney. Jamie Heaslip thought about the past but decided

to go himself again. This is Mike Ross. 12 metres out from the Italian

goal-line. With from Brian O'Driscoll. He floated out to Gordon

D'Arcy. Manoa Vosawai makes his first tackle. Now he makes a second

tackle. Devin Toner. It takes to bringing down. Dave Carney did well.

Italy will break out. Great pass by Alberto De Marchi. Brian O'Driscoll

with the rebound. Rob Kearney. Brian O'Driscoll again. Eoin Reddan. A

flying kick by Leonardo Sarto. They are bodies down everywhere. Paul

O'Connell heads for the medics. Jonny Sexton going around them. Dave

Carney pretty close to them. Penalty advantage to Ireland. Long to Chris

Henry. Mike Ross charges on. Andrew Trimble. Yes. Ireland's second try.

They kept their patience and it looked as if the Italian defence was

going to hold firm. But Andrew Trimble with two defenders gets over

the line this time. It was a great pass by Brian O'Driscoll. Just

popping that ball into space, something he has always been very

adept at. Is there a case for the medical operation getting in the way

of the Italian defence? It was certainly a distraction for me. I'm

not sure about the players. Italy seem to have the numbers there. But

unfortunately, they gave Trimble too much of the inside. They were

inviting him to cut back in and they did.

That is relieving minimum that Ireland would have wanted coming

away from this first half, with 70% of the possession.

From the moment it left his boot, that was going in. Jonathan Sexton

with three out of three. 17-7. The earlier pass from Brian O'Driscoll,

always aware of where other people are and where the space is and able

to improvise from tight situations. Paul Derbyshire is back on the

field. We are into the red zone, the last

play of the first half. Devin Toner is underneath it.

Luke McLean takes the ball out of play and keeps on running down the

tunnel. What a first half in terms of info about rugby. Very few set

pieces. One of them produced a try for Ireland. Very interesting. It

will be interesting to see how Ireland come out to the second half.

That cameo at the end by Brian O'Driscoll, putting the ball behind

the Italian defence, I expect to see more of that in the second half. At

the interval, Ireland 17, Italy seven.

It is Brian O'Driscoll's day, undeniably, and you only have to

open the newspaper and CDs everywhere. He has been involved in

a lot of the key players. Italy have a tendency to concede. But just when

you thought Ireland might run away with it, a fantastic piece of play

by Sarto. Trimble at the end, giving Ireland a ten point advantage at the

break. Lots and lots, and what great entertainment. But the tackles made,

three down for Italy. A record number of tackles made in an

International is 200. And Italy have made 123 in the first half already.

Just one line below that, the result was a danger of getting involved in

a Nigel Owens loving, but only three penalties conceded in the whole of

the first half. And that is why it is

the first half. And that is why it such a good game. Ireland are

leading but only just. And they think they would have been delighted

after 20 minutes. Really worried after 35. I would expected that they

would start faster in the second half. There was a huge furore for

Driscoll, and does it did track? Maybe, but anything they played well

enough. You could have scored tries and they did. But that is flattering

for Ireland. Italy looked really threatening. Wales, in the first few

minutes, there has been a tendency to concede a try early on and try to

get back in the game. And then the compound things by conceding tries

close to the break. Scoring a try right before half-time is almost

worth double psychologically. You come out of the game in the second

half and the first thing to do is think about the game, which the

tracks from your game plan. They really need to have a good chat at

half-time and keep up the good things they are doing. We know that

O'Driscoll will be involved in a big way today, whether the scores a try

it will be fascinating. But it was a lovely off-loads to put Sexton away

at the start. This is something they have done with Leinster. It is a

move they do very well with Ireland. You can see Garcia, his site is

attracted. And when O'Driscoll does that wrap around, it is pretty easy.

Garcia has got himself in a bad position. He does not know whether

to go in or out and once he has decided, he is off-balance. And

Sexton just pushes away. If you doubt it for a second, players of

that quality will take advantage. It is a pretty simple move. A missed

tackle at the end, with a lot of indecision. You would've thought

with the practice that teams do at club and level, that everything is

there a standard. And he has just got confused. He has been watching

the men rather than the ball. And he is fit. It is fair to say that,

after all the talk this week. For years we have seen an Italian scrum

which was ruthlessly efficient. But Italy are now an exciting team to

watch. They are looking more patient and composed. The fact that on your

goal line you have the ability to play two on one and make your way

down the touchline without losing a hit, it goes to show what the

initial intention of the ball is. They have scored good tries in this

Championship and they have ambition and they are creating. This

highlight, they spotted the gap between Henderson and O'Driscoll.

They came in and you would've thought from here, two on one, you

are going score. But Anderson, Henderson, he does so well to get

back and get the tackle. It is great that Italy have that ambition. There

is something about Orquera, I think he would drive you to distraction.

But he has great feet and great hands. Great football. Whether he is

a Robbie Blair, that is another thing. Some of his passing is

absolutely magic. From the most simple things. And a good try. --

rugby player. They have been playing well. But whether they have enough

to keep going for another 40 minutes. Trimble making this

decision, that was just unfortunate. Kearney has kicked the ball. But

Italy made the most of it and they are looking at space. Ireland have

been defending better. They did it against Australia in the autumn,

almost forcing the Italians in that direction. But when the site has

more numbers in attack then you have in defence, you risk letting them

through. Italy had the numbers and they can see the space. A little bit

unfortunate but they have the numbers. And now this is just poor

tackling. Kearney is very rarely missing a tackle and he does on that

occasion. But you take that risk, with space and numbers. The style

they want to play, push them wide with space. They are forcing them to

look for a kick. But it is a fantastic finish. Kearney will be

disappointed. The fact that he is holding the ball, looking for the

try line, wanting to beat defenders, looking for options, and you can see

that he is thrilled with this drive. It is a dynamic style of rugby. Is

it a read Herring? We will see the Trimble tried. Eddie mentioned it in

the commentary. When play is at that level, is there a reason to say,

stop, when a player is being attended? That was a wreck us, and

it looked wrong at that moment. It looked wrong. Is there an advantage?

When we look back, none of the Italian players were affected by it.

But you would say that there is probably a duty of care to make

certain that nobody runs into somebody who is lying on the ground.

I think it should have been pulled up. Afterwards, it did not look as

if it make made any difference. You thought at 10-7 that Italy were in

it but this seven points made such a difference. The way it unfolded, you

have to hope that that inside defender looks after the player that

is coming underneath. The fact that Sato got out of shape in defence and

opened up the space, to have the vision to pop the ball over the top

was really what you need. -- Sarto. Two assists for the Irish tries,

that was a great pass. Past with force. Is he going to score in the

second half? I think in as too. It is funny how the Italian team seems

to have gone full circle. Very exciting in attack but now, very

very unconvincing in a set piece. -- he has to do. There is a lack of

detail in the opening phases. You can see that the right option is to

go to Derbyshire and what he needs to do is pull it as close as he can

to his body, to evade anything that is coming from the top. And in the

second instance, there is a lack of detail. He needs to be as low as

possible underneath the knees. And the distance that he loses is the

same distance that Josh misses the catch by. Italy's line-out is

flatter. In this instance, they are getting out of shape. The initial

position is good and as the pressure comes on, his shoulders drop. He

loses that position and the shape and power that can come from behind

ends up lost. We will talk more about what might happen in the

second half in just a moment but this is also deep in ultimate

weekend of the women's Six Nations and here is how things stand.

England made seven changes from the side that defeated Scotland in round

two with the visit of the unbeaten Irish. And it paid off after only

eight minutes. Sarah Hunter went over following a powerful scrum from

the home side. Ireland got a penalty before the scrum-half, Muldoon,

spotted a gap at the back of the Irish maul. On the stroke of

half-time, England fought back with the try of the game. Emily Skerrett

finishing a lovely crossfield move to put Kay Wilson in at the corner.

The only try of the second half when to the English, too. As they avenge

their defeat last year in Dublin. Packer scored on the hour. The final

score, 17-10. Wales versus France at Port Talbot

was the proverbial game of two halves. The Welsh Trail 3-0 at the

break but a pushover try finally got the Blues firing. This following

attack finished a -- with a French touchdown to finish the second half.

Wales had no answer and conceded two more late tries. First scored by the

centre. The final score, 27-0. French are the Olesya Vladykina with

the chance of a Grand Slam. We don't have any pictures of the

Scotland Italy the chance of a Grand Slam.

We don't have any game but the result of that match was 45-5 to the

Italians. The match last night saw England beat Wales 35-3. That is how

the leaderboard looks. All of those matches are replicated this weekend

in the men's Championship, meaning that after we finished, in Dublin,

we have the match at Murrayfield between Scotland and France at

4:40pm. And tomorrow, England against Wales, revenge in the air

for England, but Wales determined to pick up from where they left off

against the French. 2:30pm tomorrow. Talking of Wales, just a quick word

about Niger Lohan. Talking of Wales, just a quick word

about Niger Matches can be blighted by bad refereeing but they can be

made by good refereeing. All the way through that match, you were saying

that the referee was making the right call. And it is about

communication. The players should understand what they can and cannot

do. He has let the flow of the game go. A lot of it is to do with the

players and how they want to play the game. It is a lot to do with the

skill levels as well. They are being very clear and decisive at the

breakdown and making it easier for Nigel Owens to referee. This is the

last 40 minutes that Brian O'Driscoll will play in an Irish

jersey on Irish soil. Currently Ireland lead 17-7 but the Italians

have done their best to spoil the farewell party in the first half.

They will be doing their best in the second half but maybe it is written

in the stars somewhere that if Ireland score in the second half it

will be the man in the number 13 jersey. Back now to our commentary

team. One last reattachment of the leases

at home. We thought he was retiring last year but I think this really is

it. I noticed a bit of emotion on his face after he received the

accolades. Off we go with the second half. Brian O'Driscoll's final game

in Dublin. Ireland will go to France and if they carry on like this, in

the lead, they will go there with a tilt at the championship title. Dave

Carney cannot take it. Luciano Orquera sees a lot of space behind

Gordon D'Arcy and that is a very good kick. That is an excellent

kick. That is the type of game Ireland should be playing. It has

given Italy a good attacking situation. Can they sought the

detail out and secure this line-out? I expect you to have a look at where

Italy are boosting their jumpers. Rory Best finds Devin Toner. That is

a good Irish drive from the line-out. Chris Henry in charge.

They have made 20 metres. Still going. Paul Derbyshire now wearing

the scrum cap and trying to wrap up Chris Henry. Ireland have the

penalty. That worked. They got the penalty and now they have an

opportunity to get 80 line-out and play from there. -- to get a deep

line-out. Deliberately placed downfield by

Jonny Sexton. They might go for them all again. This is a well-organised

maul. The danger of being turned into touch but Italy were penalised

for pulling it down. Chris Henry goes into the line-out as Devin

Toner catches. Jamie Heaslip. Jamie Heaslip gives possession to Rory

Best. The maul keeps edging forwards. Awakens Eoin Reddan. --

away comes a line read on. Joshua Furno got a boot to it. Jonny Sexton

was offside. Number ten was chasing from an offside position. That is

the change in tactics. Ireland looking to the maul and then push

Italy deep into their own half and get set pieces from there. Very

different from the ball carrying in the first half. Luciano Orquera. You

can see Jonny Sexton there. He has continued to run. Nigel Owens did

warn him. He was in an offside position. A short line-out. Marco

Bortolami to Tito Tebaldi. Gonzalo Garcia. He is way behind the

advantage line. Marco Bortolami tries to get them going forward.

Luciano Orquera. Robert Barbieri, the number eight. Tito Tebaldi. That

is for Paul Derbyshire to chase and he grapples with Rob Kearney for the

ball. It has come back on Ireland's side. Of goes Cian Healy. Jamie

Heaslip. Stolen by Michelle company at all. Luke McLean, who had a

devastating first half. Devastatingly good. Rory Best with

the tackle. Luke McLean. Marco Bortolami. Tito Tebaldi. Luke McLean

again. If he goes past O'Connell. No release by Italy. They are penalised

again. Ireland have the better of these moments. As individuals go,

Brian O'Driscoll is performing better than anyone else in the Irish

side. Ireland putting the ball through the hands when that is an

opportunity to get the ball deep into the eye -- Italy and territory.

They were lucky to get the penalty and the turnover. They need to start

turning this Italian defence and getting in behind them. That was the

turnover by Brian O'Driscoll. Defined modern centre play.

Well taken by Iain Henderson. Joshua Furno read the play well but not the

Don. It is all a bit casual by Italy. Andrew Trimble. Italy have

sorted themselves out into a defensive shape. But there is no

advantage. I don't know what they told to Bali

is doing getting involved with Paul O'Connell. There is absolutely no

need for that. I am not sure what Alberto De Marchi is doing either.

REFEREE: U2 are the captains and you set the example. That is not a good

example to set. I am going to check it was just a scuffle and I'll come

back to you and tell you what I have seen. There was a knock on there and

no advantage. Jeff Warren invited to have a look. That is a show of but

that is not going to worry any body. It is more like Roman wrestling!

Nothing is going to happen here. Both sides have been warned. It is

all a bit comical. Paul O'Connell is complaining about an elbow. That was

Alberto De Marchi. REFEREE: I'm going to penalised number nine blue

that coming in when it had nothing to do with him. Two captains please.

Another little bit of a lecture from Nigel Owens. REFEREE: It is not

acceptable and it ends there. What I want accept is you coming in and

grabbing somebody around the neck. I am now going to penalised you

instead of going back to the knock-on. This is the start of it

again. There was a push and an elbow. No need for that from Marco

Bortolami. Tito Tebaldi was then penalised for coming in. I doubt if

Jonny Sexton will turn up the opportunity of three points. It

would get the scoreboard ticking again. No. He is going for the

corner. They are now chasing the margin. I am not sure the game is

conclusively one yet. That is Tito Tebaldi giving away the penalty.

Ireland need to make the most of this. We all know what is going to

happen from here. Rory Best. We are back to normal play. Paul

O'Connell. Italy have done the first task on the defensive side, turning

the maul into a ruck. Ireland have done very well to rebuild that maul.

Henderson. It is an excellent defensive operation by Italy. All

55,000 here knew exactly what was going to happen. They brought the

maul down quickly and then they were into that static go forward again.

They might have been better off taking the three points. It is still

good field position for Ireland. They need to force a deeper line-out

and attack from there again. They don't want to give Italy any space

to get out of here. What pressure can the Irish AT desert on this

Italy put in? -- a desert on this put in.

Robert Barbieri comes away. Tito Tebaldi checks were Luke McLean is.

In the end, Italy don't really make much ground. That is satisfactory.

It is not quite as deep. That is the pressure from Ireland. It is a poor

touch from Italy. It came off the side of his foot. Iain Henderson

wins it. Devin Toner takes a quick throw from Rory Best and establishes

the maul. Jamie Heaslip with the ball at the back. They have gone to

ground. Chris Henry. Marco Bortolami makes the tackle. Gordon D'Arcy.

Joshua Furno. Cian Healy. Tackled by Robert Barbieri. Jonny Sexton inside

to Jamie Heaslip. Paul O'Connell. An important tackle by Gonzalo Garcia.

Jamie Heaslip. Gordon D'Arcy calls for it. He has it. Brian O'Driscoll

to Andrew Trimble. Andrew Trimble stays on his feet. Finally taken to

ground. Chris Henry. It is all Ireland. A good tackle by Sarto.

Italy, a penalty against them for not releasing. Quickly taken.

Try for the prop. Nigel Owen is, right there on the spot. And all of

Ireland's pressure cancer last. -- comes at last. A rare opportunity

for include -- Italy to get on the back foot. A bit of momentum from

which Kieran Healy was able to go over. Just as well that he did

because he had four men outside him. As he staggers back, not looking too

healthy. That is the quick penalty taken by read on. -- Eoin Reddan. He

knew he was not going to get there. Healy, limping, probably coming

soon. Supported by Paul O'Connell. That is what Ireland needs to do, as

Kieran Healy comes off. It looks like his ankle is giving him

trouble. And he is not the only player to be

replaced. Iain Henderson has gone off. Rhys Ruddock is on for

Henderson. He has missed it. His first mess.

Clearly, he is a leading kicker in the Six Nations.

Sexton with an excellent kick. But Luke McLean brings it back into

play. Ireland are hungry for more now. De

Marchi clutches his leg after that tackle.

They are playing a lot of rugby. Rugby that I do not think they need

to be playing. The Italian defence is flat. There is a lot of space in

the bottom right corner. I would love to say see -- C Sexton in that

corner. So far, the Italian defence is shutting Ireland out and giving

them no space in which to run, forcing errors and mistakes.

Changes. Kieran Healy, already on the bench. Martin Moore is coming

on. Changes to the Tyneside. Paul Derbyshire, being replaced. And the

marquee, his day is over too. -- De Marchi.

Ireland intense, it seems, to run everything now. Hoping that when 60

minutes comes, there will not be much gas left in the Italian tank.

And that is the gamble. Continuing to play a lot of rugby between the

ten metre zones. There is no doubt that they are tying defence will

eventually tire but they have brought on fresh legs and, for me,

the best way to put on pressure is to force them to play from deep

within their own half. The way they started the second half. Martin

Moore into the Irish front row. A little bit of pushing to do.

That is the halfway line on the right.

Could this be it? O'Driscoll, looking for support. It comes to

nothing. And then goes Brian O'Driscoll, and

he stays down. -- and down goes. Wonder if his calf has gone again.

He clearly made a decision that he was not going to go all the way.

That was the opening force. And now he's starting to look for support,

running across the field. Just not on the same wavelength. And he

stayed down. At least it is not his calf. It is a smash to the ribs. Is

he just winded? It would be good, if he was only winded. He will have

next Saturday in mind as well. Worried face from his wife and

daughter. They will have to drag him off this field. The old boy

continues. Italy have had to make a huge number

of tackles. REFEREE: You are facing down. Come closer. 150. What was the

records, 200? So there is another 47 tackles, 48 tackles and they will

have broken erected. -- broken a record.

Sweet try! Great off-load. It was miss Marr cans again. He really is

Ireland's most influential player today. There was an awful lot of

talk at the centre, hoping that this man would get the man of the match.

And I'd genuinely cannot see another candidate for it. Listen to that

applause. It is only for one man. It is his day. It is his show. The

creativity, the sleight of hand, the unpredictability of how he gets the

ball away. And the precision of it as well. You cannot defend against

things like that. That is what it has taken to unlock this Italian

defence. And it has been an excellent defence all day. It has

taken some magic like that to unlock it. Well worked.

Jonny Sexton's second try, and this, the conversion.

He has missed again, but it does not matter because he scored two tries,

made by Brian O'Driscoll. Who else? And here goes, Brian O'Driscoll,

shakes hands with Fergus MacFadyen. And a great man's day is done.

A rousing farewell by his home crowd. A rousing pat on the back

from his team-mates. His international career is not over.

They go, Ireland, to Parisse for the title next week. -- to France.

Luke McLean has had a good game counterattacking for Italy but on

this occasion, he is shunted towards halfway.

Sexton, a little disgusted by himself. Things have settled and the

crowd has returned to their seats. If this Italian defence continues to

stand up to the Irish attack without the one man who has reached it, what

are they going to do? Fergus McFadden taking up the number 13

position. Andrew Trimble lurking behind the two centres on the open

side. The Italian driver scrummage. -- the Italian drive at the

scrummage. Dave Carney. Dave Carney thumbs the ground in frustration. He

wanted to keep that one infield. Marco Bortolami. Changes on the

field. Marco Bortolami comes out of the second row. Luciano Orquera is

also coming off. On goes Tommy Allan into the ad said half position and

Antonio Pavanello replaces Marco Bortolami in the second row. -- the

outside half position. Jonny Sexton gives way to Paddy Jackson. Is that

a sign that Joe Schmidt is happy with the 20 point difference? He

will be hoping this new three quarters line will extend his lead.

Tito Tebaldi to Tommy Allan. Andrea Masi is also on the field. Turnover

at the set piece. Ireland will have they put in. I just sent Italy

starting to tire little bit. They were not able to secure possession

there. Just looking at Eoin Reddan talking to Paddy Jackson. He wants

to get more points on the board. By contrast Italy are looking laboured

getting ready for this scrum. Manoa Vosawai on the far side of the

scrum. Sean Cronin is in the middle of the Irish front row. Jamie

Heaslip. Fergus McFadden. Paddy Jackson. Rob Kearney cutting back

from fullback. He runs into Antonio Pavanello. This time it is Jack

McGrath. Rhys Ruddock. More fresh legs. Devin Toner. Gordon D'Arcy

looking for the inside pass but goes on his own. Jackson with sweet

hands. Rob Kearney. Sean Cronin tackled by Robert Barbieri. A change

of direction. Rhys Ruddock drives. A penalty against Italy. It is a

no-brainer from here. They almost got in behind. That penalty has

given Ireland a position deep in the Italian 22. Ireland step forward for

this line-out. Paul O'Connell and Jamie Heaslip. Sean Cronin to throw.

Devin Toner at the back. It goes to Devin Toner. Chris Henry tidied it

up. Paul O'Connell against Robert Barbieri. Gordon D'Arcy. He is two

metres out. It must be violent. Chris Henry. Defence is a sound.

They have come away with the ball. They have a chance to break out. Now

they have handed it back to Ireland. Sean Cronin. No other hooker in

world rugby would have scored that. He is one of the fastest hookers

around. Chris Henry should have let that ball go with Rob Kearney

outside him. Ireland did well to recover from what looks like a

turnover. A great turn of pace from Sean Cronin. Italy did very well to

get the ball. Ireland then recovered. And Sean Cronin going

outside Michelle company Arrow, a centre. What pace. -- Michelle

company Arrow. -- meet shell company the converging from Paddy Jackson.

His first points. Brian O'Driscoll with have -- will have the

opportunity to extend his legacy next week. Ireland back in

possession after the restart. A knock on. It is not like him. He now

has an opportunity to make amends and put treasure on this Italian

front row. -- pressure. He is challenging Mike Ross and Cian

Healy. Italy make substitutions. Edoardo Gori goes to scrum half

instead of Tito Tebaldi. Leonardo Ghiraldini also leaves. He is

replaced by Davide Giazzon. Ten minutes to go. It is an Italian

scrum but they have had practically no attacking opportunities in this

second half. Ireland have been a lot more effective with ball in hand.

The crowd reacting to Brian O'Driscoll's picture on the big

screen. They show their appreciation. That comes Alberto De

Marchi to the loose head position. Michele Rizzo limps off. Edoardo

Gori will feed the scrum. They have an inviting blindside and have

already filled it with two players. They have two players directly

behind the scrum. Robert Barbieri. Edoardo Gori. Joshua Furno. It looks

as if Ireland have turned Italy over again. It has been the tale of the

second half. Italy unable to hang onto the ball. That is a forward

pass. I question the judgement of that. The ball deep would have been

a much better option. It was forward. It is the year of the

beard. A second chance for Italy with a good scrummaging position.

This one almost in the middle off the field. -- middle off the field.

Michelle did so is still on the field. Alberto De Marchi is on the

tight head. He started the game on the loose head. They have done well.

Robert Barbieri runs into his own player and it is not happy for Italy

in the second half. Ireland were able to turn the scrum. That is

unfortunate. Ireland need to get out of here. Jordi Murphy is coming on

for Chris Henry. He has been tireless today.

A good scrummage for young red and -- for Eoin Reddan to pass to Paddy

Jackson. Gordon D'Arcy. Devin Toner. Turnover ball. Robert Barbieri.

Alberto De Marchi picked it up well but not before knocking it on.

Ireland are trying to play from deep when a simple deep kick would force

Italy to play from deep. It is all very well playing pretty but you

need to be accurate. Over 100 metres made. That is an afternoon well

spent. I don't think that record is going to go. 173 tackles made by

Italy. They are going to have to make a lot of tackles and six

minutes. Penalty to Ireland. Eoin Reddan will take it quickly.

They will go back for a second bite at the penalty.

How close to the five metre line will Paddy Jackson dare to go?

Pretty close. Brilliant kick. That is right on the five metre line. You

could not get any closer. If Ireland are going to be successful, they're

going to have to move it away from the point at which they won it.

Italy have been pretty successful at defending the ball so far. And this

is going to test the squad, because it is a very different performance.

And MacFadyen scores! I wonder whether Nigel Owen might have

unwittingly helped. It is immaterial. It is extending a

healthy lead. It sets at 32 points. Likely to move to 34. Paddy Jackson

will drop kick this conversion. He is not finished yet. I don't think

it had any material effect, but it did look like an advanced runner.

Paul O'Connell is limping towards the halfway line. Ireland have to be

careful that they do not do anything to make existing injuries any worse

or gather new injuries. It might be a little frivolous, the closing

couple of minutes. They have to manage this with care. Devin Toner

has been excellent today, carrying line-outs and receptions.

The forwards protecting the Italian midfield.

Fergus MacFadyen wins his own challenge. Roddick, very much

involved. -- Roddick. And Dave Kearney cannot quite get

there. But they will go back for the penalty. Kearney wants to take it

quickly. They want another seven points. This would make a winner in

Parisse a virtual certainty. -- brands. -- France.

It looks as if Ireland have scored. McGrath has been awarded the try.

Jack McGrath, always open for tries like that. He is very solid with the

ball in hand. He has a reputation as a try scoring loosehead. Very

similar to the Cian Healy mould. And that could be so significant. At

least an extra five points. He enjoyed that, didn't he? It doesn't

matter if it is one yard or 30. Paddy Jackson will complete the

day's work for Ireland. The clock has gone red and the game will be

over. A handsome victory for Ireland.

No conversion, no extra points. But that is it. Ireland have now played

four, and the victorious in three. -- been victorious. Ireland 46,

Italy seven. STUDIO: An entertaining match for 39

minutes but that he try on the stroke of half-time changed

everything. In the second half, it was all Ireland and for 20 minutes,

it was all about the man in the 13 jersey. Even if he had not touched

the ball for the entire game, they were almost duty-bound to make a man

of the match. But he had a tremendous match with some fantastic

play. Some crucial passes. I'm sure that very shortly we will be hearing

from them courtesy of our colleagues at Irish television. Keith, final

thoughts on O'Driscoll's last match here? At body was fantastic. Every

time he touched the ball he was a key part of the game. And it is a

fantastic legacy for him. To still go out on a high after 15 years, and

yes, it was emotional. But he deserved man of the match. And 208

tackles by Italy in that match, the most ever in a Six Nations

International. And one other statistic, just two penalties

conceded by Ireland in the entire game. We talk endlessly about

discipline and the importance of that, but there was the ultimate

embodiment of that. And here we are one final time with Brian O'Driscoll

about to speak to his adoring Irish public. So fitting that you were man

of the match on your last match here? So much emotion in this

stadium. However you doing? -- how are you doing. I've had not let

myself think about it. This has been a huge part of my adult life. It is

going to be hard to leave here but it is a good way to leave it and

hopefully we will set ourselves up well for next week. Thousands here

and at home want to be part of this. It is nice to get the chance

to say goodbye. It really is. And I feel humbled by the reaction today.

The team -- it seems a bit of a joke that you get man of the match for 60

minutes, but I'd have loved my time playing in this jersey.

Unfortunately, it has to come to an end at some stage and I'm glad to go

out at home with a big win. You were pretty involved in those 60 minutes,

you set up a couple of tries. We worked hard asset plays and I'm glad

that some of them came off. Sexton got in for a couple of tries. If it

was not for today, maybe he would have been man of the match. Can you

believe that this is its? -- this is it two it will only set in after I

have had a bit of time. We have a big performance next week and then

there is a Championship. We need to go to France with positivity and try

to relive what happens in 2000. There is one game to come, so how

sweet would it be to sign off with a Championship when? It is one thing

to play in this jersey but it is another thing winning in this

jersey. We built a big standard and this crop of players is capable of

doing great things. And we have to start that next week and try to win

a second Championship as this unit of players. Thank you for the

memories at Lansdowne Road. Good luck next week. Thank you everybody

here. This is how the Championship looks. It is Ireland's Toulouse. The

match in France will be key. But Brian O'Driscoll has now played his

final match here at the Aviva Stadium. His final hurrah will be in

Parisse next weekend. Ireland going for the jagged chip. Will France be

going for the title? We will find out after the next big match in the

Six Nations. We're going to Murrayfield in a couple of moments

for Scotland against France and we will see you at Twickenham tomorrow

for England against Wales. From all of us here, goodbye.