Job done for the holders
Ireland got the defence of their Six Nations title up and running with a victory over Italy in Rome and Saturday, saving their best work for the closing quarter of the game.
The visitors led 12-3 going into the final 18 minutes thanks to the boot of Ian Keatley, but worked their way into the match and tries from Conor Murray and Tommy O’Donnell saw Ireland finally put some fresh air between themselves and the Azzurri.
Click here for player ratings from the lads over at SportsJOE
Ireland got an eighth test victory in a row for the first time since 2009 and won the match 26-3.
Here’s what Twitter made of what wasn’t a good game, but a win is a win for Ireland.
Poor @TommyBowe14 hasn’t been seeing much action #SixNations pic.twitter.com/mJNxs4GVme
— Tim (@TimForde) February 7, 2015
Another TRY for #Ireland. Tommy O’Donnell…! ‘Hon Tipp!! 24 -3. Madigan converts 26-3.
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) February 7, 2015
Iain Henderson looks like a fan who has run onto the pitch in his jersey. #IREvITA pic.twitter.com/2GbTUUZYG0
— Niall McGarry (@MrNiallMcGarry) February 7, 2015
Tommy ‘X Factor’ O’Donnell.
— Kevin Coghlan (@kevin_coghlan) February 7, 2015
Vital points being scored now. Last 2 6N settled by points difference. Ireland beat Italy by 39 last year and pipped England to title by 10
— Brendan O’Brien (@Rackob) February 7, 2015
This is turning into a great win for Munster! #SixNations
— Frank Coughlan (@fmcomment) February 7, 2015
Whatever about rugby players being in drugs, you’d nearly want to be on hallucinogenics to enjoy this muck!! #zzzzz PS don’t do drugs!!
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) February 7, 2015
YES! Conor Murray with the try. Conversion makes it 19-3 #ITAvIRL http://t.co/gC7p4rrhif pic.twitter.com/65kMnpm7rW
— SportsJOE.ie (@SportsJOEdotie) February 7, 2015
Devastated for @SeanOBrien1987 but hopefully he’ll be on the pitch when we need him most! #IRFU #ITAvIRL pic.twitter.com/fwGUTI93PT
— Sportsfile (@sportsfile) February 7, 2015
It’s a dull game, but you know what, WE’RE WINNING so don’t lose sight of that. I’d take this score at full time if needs be! #ITAvIRL #dull
— Eoin Kennedy (@eoinfromzone) February 7, 2015
