After a shaky start in Rome. Ireland overcame Italy by 38 points to 9. Italy went into a six point lead early on but two tries (Bowes and Fitzgerald) from the Irish before the half time break put them in the driving seat.

The 2nd half saw three more tries for the Irish with David Wallace, Fitzgerald again and Brian O’Driscoll crossing the line as Ireland ran out comfortable winners.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney believed his team was flattered by a score line which looked very unlikely early on in the game. Italian Andrea Masi was sent to the sin bin after just one minute as the Italians set out to outline their intentions early on.

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll was happy with the patient approach taken by Ireland in the game. O’Driscoll said that Italy set about their game plan as expected. He went on to say he expected a very tough game against England at Croke Park.

Double try scorer Fitzgerald spoke of the growing confidence in the Irish side due to the win over France. He praised Italy as tough opponents.

Italian coach Nick Mallet rued his sides discipline problem as costing them points. He praised the courage of the Italian Rugby team but is looking for better concentration levels the next time out.

Italy Team: Masi, Robertson, Canale, M. Bergamasco, Pratichetti, McLean, Griffen, Perugini, Ongaro, Castrogiovanni, Dellape, Reato, Zanni, M. Bergamasco, Parisse.
Replacements: Bacchetti for Robertson (20), Garcia for Canale (48), Toniolatti for McLean (72), Festuccia for Ongaro (41), Nieto for Castrogiovanni (33), Del Fava for Dellape (48), Sole for Reato (48).

Sin Bin: Masi (1), Perugini (36).

Ireland Team: Kearney, Bowe, B. O’Driscoll, P. Wallace, Fitzgerald, O’Gara, O’Leary, Horan, Flannery, Hayes, O’Callaghan, O’Connell, Ferris, D. Wallace, Heaslip.
Replacements: D’Arcy for P. Wallace (41), Stringer for O’Leary (72), Court for Horan (55), Best for Flannery (60), O’Kelly for O’Connell (77), Leamy for Ferris (62).

Subs Not Used: Murphy.

Sin Bin: O’Gara (32).

Attendance: 30,000

Referee: C White