Ireland were convincing victors over Italy, recording a 46 points to 7 win on an emotional day at the Aviva Stadium. Joe Schmidt’s side now have the chance of winning the RBS 6 Nations in Paris in a week’s time.
The headlines before the match were all about Brian O’Driscoll, who was playing his final test match in Ireland, and the Leinster centre lived up to the hype, putting in a man of the match performance in what was an excellent day for the whole squad.
Ireland scored seven tries in total with O’Driscoll seting up first half scores for Jonny Sexton and Ulster winger, Andrew Trimble.
Italy got a try of their own in the first half through Leonardo Sarto but the second period was all about Ireland.
Cian Healy, Sexton, Sean Cronin, Fergus McFadden and Jack McGrath all went over as Ireland amassed 46 points – points which have given Ireland a significant points differential (+81) going into the game against France next Saturday.
Rory Best, Trimble, Chris Henry, Iain Henderson and Paddy Jackson all played their part in the victory and will be hoping to be involved in next week’s potential Championship decider.
With O’Driscoll having introduced himself to world rugby 14 years ago with a hat trick of tries at the Stade de France, what odds another victory in 2014 to crown the Leinster man’s remarkable career?
Reports
Ireland 46 Italy 7
8th March 2014
Ireland were convincing victors over Italy, recording a 46 points to 7 win on an emotional day at the Aviva Stadium. Joe Schmidt’s side now have the chance of winning the RBS 6 Nations in Paris in a week’s time.