Ireland play their first autumn international on Sunday against Australia. The natch will be a momentous occasion for Irish legend Brian O’ Driscoll as it will be his 100th international appearance (includes 6 Lions caps). O’ Driscoll says he will be as sharp as ever though admitted to still feeling nerves before big games saying it was a natural thing.
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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
A starting berth has been awarded to Paddy Wallace for Irelands opening six nations game. Wallace will partner Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll in midfield.
Wallace has traditionally being used as cover for Ronan O’Gara. It is considered a brave move by Kidney who has also made two positional changes. Ronan Kearney will start at full back with Luke Fitzgerald playing on the wing.
Kearney played out on the wing in the autumn games however many believe his best position to be fullback. Osprey’s player Tommy Bowe starts out on the right wing. There are no changes in the pack which lined out against Argentina with Flannery keeping Best of Ulster on the bench.
It will be a proud day for flanker Stephen Ferris who will make his six nations debut. Jamie Heaslip held off tough competition from Dennis Leamy for the number eight shirt. Gordon D’Arcy is back in the squad for the 1st time since February 2007. Mick O’Driscoll and Alan Quinlan failed to make the squad with Keith Earls out injured.
Wallace has been in superb form for Ulster this year and will pick up his 13th cap against France. His debut came in 2006 against South Africa.
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Team
Ireland: R Kearney; T Bowe, B O’Driscoll, (capt), P Wallace, L Fitzgerald; R O’Gara, T O’Leary; M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O’Callaghan, P O’Connell, S Ferris, D Wallace, J Heaslip.
Replacements: R Best, T Court, M O’Kelly, D Leamy, P Stringer, G D’Arcy, G Murphy.
