Chipper Owners Battered By Irish But They’re Codding No One

Ireland launched their RBS 6 Nations title defence with a nervy victory over Italy at Croke Park. Leinster’s Jamie Heaslip and Munster’s Tomas O’Leary crossed over the try line to help pick up a 23-8 half time lead, but in the second half the champions lost their way and never breached the line again. Italy, who scored their try through a Kaine Robertson charge down, staged a damage limitation exercise after the one-sided first half that was highly effective and killed the match as a spectacle.Ronan O’Gara kept the scoreboard ticking over and finished with 16 points on his departure with 15 minutes to go. O Gara today also became the first player in 6 Nations history to score over 500 points. He also keeps the record with Munster in the Heineken cup with well over 1000 points to his name. Ireland failed to maintain their power up front and suffered as a result, showing only the odd flash of brilliance, and must improve significantly if they are to have any hope of beating France in Paris next Saturday. Coach Declan Kidney said: ‘We definitely know we have a lot of things to do but we took a conscious decision not to come together until late.
There was a small bit of rustiness. We’re delighted with the win. If you look at it compared to last year’s game, there is not a lot of difference.We were trying things in the second half but we didn’t manage to get any pace into the game.’
Italy had only lost the second half 6-3 and coach Nick Mallett was delighted with his side’s rearguard effort.
‘At 23-8 at half-time there was a real possibility we could have conceded a lot more tries, especially with the ball Ireland had in the second half,But the fact we didn’t was down to some fantastic defence and it’s something I’m really proud of. Ireland are a very good side. They’re very pragmatic and have got a very good set of backs, probably the best backline in Europe. It was our job not to give them ball.” Final score on a frustrating game in Croke Park, Ireland 26, Italy 11

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.