Ireland got their defence of the RBS 6 Nations off to winning start with a 26 points to 3 win over Italy in Rome.
Joe Schmidt’s side had led 9-3 at the break but an early second half penalty from Ian Keatley and tries from Conor Murray and Tommy O’Donnell resulted in the comfortable scoreline for the men in green.
Ireland’s preparations were dealt a blow when flanker Sean O’Brien was ruled out having picked up a hamstring injury in the warm-up. O’Donnell came into the side, with Ulster’s Robbie Diack selected on the replacements’ bench.
Ireland got the first points of the match on 7 minutes. Keatley slotted his first 6 Nations penalty and then doubled Ireland’s advantage 15 minutes later with another well taken penalty to make it Italy 0 Ireland 6.
Joe Schmidt’s team varied their attack, taking it through the middle, throwing it wide and attempting cross field kicks but the Italians, particularly their pack, were extremely strong in defence and Ireland just couldn’t find a way to the try line.
Right at the end of the half Ireland were awarded another penalty after Italy collapsed a maul and Keatley kicked his third penalty to make it Italy 3 Ireland 9 at the break.
After the interval, Ireland continued to put together phase after phase and Keatley added another penalty on 58 minutes after the Italians were pinged for wheeling the scrum.
However, with 15 minutes remaining Ireland’s pressure finally resulted in a try. Ghiraldini was sin-binned for side entry, Ireland won the resulting lineout, drove forward and Murray sniped over just to the right of the sticks.
Keatley added the extras but it got even better for Ireland two minutes later. Tommy O’Donnell ran in from 35 metres out, shrugging off tackles and powering over the line.
Substitute, Ian Madigan, kicked the conversion.
In the final minute Italy had a try disallowed for a Parisse knock on but the win was already secured.
Next up for Ireland is France at the Aviva Stadium. One down, four to go for Joe Schmidt and his team.