Ireland vs Italy live: Hosts hold on to deny Azzurri historic Six Nations upset in Dublin
Ireland 20-13 Italy: Unconvincing Ireland overcome half-time deficit to down the battling Azzurri and earn a first win of this Six Nations
Ireland overcame a half-time deficit and then clung on at the death to unconvincingly beat Italy 20-13 and avoid a historic Six Nations upset at the Aviva Stadium.
The Azzurri have never beaten Ireland in Dublin in this championship but fancied their chances of ending that drought after an opening weekend that saw them secure a win over Scotland in wretched conditions, while Andy Farrell’s side were completely outclassed by France in Paris to raise a few tough questions about their supposed rebuild.
The hosts were poor in the first half and deservedly trailed 10-5 at the break, as Jamie Osborne’s try was bettered by Giacomo Nicotera’s driving maul score and a Paolo Garbisi penalty – and Italy should have led by more, only to waste a golden opportunity right on the Irish line on the stroke of half-time.
Jack Conan’s try early in the second half levelled the score and after Louis Lynagh’s lovely dot-down was ruled out for a Tommaso Menoncello forward pass shortly after, Ireland capitalise to retake the lead through Robert Baloucoune’s sumptuous effort and withstood a wave of Azzurri pressure at the death to send a sigh of relief around the Aviva.
Relive all the action from the Aviva Stadium with our live blog below:
FULL-TIME! Ireland 20-13 Italy
83 mins
Everyone seems to think Ireland might go for the bonus point but Crowley kicks it out and Ireland take the win!
A dramatic win for the hosts in Dublin after a superb game!
Ireland 20-13 Italy
80 mins
Into the red and Italy attack!
They work it through the hands and Pani does well but he’s stopped, before a great tackle from Ringrose kills their momentum for now.
Into the 10th phase and Italy are pushed back behind the 22...
...And Lowe intercepts! He could be through here!
He’s tackled eventually but that has settled it, Ireland winning a penalty to give them a chance for the bonus point!
Ireland 20-13 Italy
79 mins
Italy work it through the phases in midfield and Edogbo is penalised for slowing it down in the ruck.
Garbisi kicks for touch and Baloucoune is so close to preventing it!
One final line-out coming...
Ireland 20-13 Italy
78 mins
Ireland win the scrum and Osborne goes for maximum length on the kick. It’ll be an Italy line-out on Ireland’s 10m line.
The visitors win it and Garbisi goes for the kick along the ground, but Ireland collect it!
Gibson-Park with the box kick but it’s straight into Italy hands...
Ireland 20-13 Italy
77 mins
Italy win the line-out and Garbisi clips a lovelty chip over the Ireland defence, but it doesn’t bounce kindly for Menoncello and he knocks it on!
Scrum right under the posts for the hosts.
Ireland 20-13 Italy
75 mins
Italy win the line-out and some good running from Menoncello sets up a ruck that Ireland are penalised in.
Garbisi opts to kick into the 22.
Ireland 20-13 Italy
74 mins
Well into the final 10 minutes now and Italy are working it into the Ireland half. Good work from Odogwu to decide against the offload.
More good work from Lynagh to break the tackle and offload. The visitors are into the 22!
Garbisi has to resort to the high kick but Ireland collect it and Gibson-Park chooses to clear it long.
Ireland 20-13 Italy
70 mins
A clever kick from Gibson-Park finds the space behind the Italy defence and lands near their 5m line. However, Italy end up winning a scrum.
And Edwin Edogbo makes his Test debut, coming on for Ryan!
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