Review: Ireland vs Italy

Ireland edge the Italians in a scrappy encounter at the Olympic Stadium. Earls’ first-half try, and O’Mahony’s second-half, try-saving tackle would ultimately provide the difference between the sides. The Italians, spurred by the return of their talismanic chief Parisse, offered their most impressive performance of this year’s World Cup. Despite coming away victors, Ireland fell short in their first real World Cup challenge.

Sexton opened the scoring with an early penalty form the Italian 22. The Italians responded quickly, leveling the score minutes later through the boot of Allan. Earls was next to affect the scoreboard, crossing off a beautifully executed dummy switch Sexton for Ireland’s first an only try. Henderson was instrumental in the score, carrying off a superb line and shipping the ball to Earls out of contact. Italy would score once more in the first, narrowing the half-time lead to just four points. Italy, scrappy and resilient, refused to hail to punters’ favorites.

The second half continued in much the same vein, with Ireland lacking their usual clinical edge in attack. Ten minutes in, Allan narrowed the lead once more and put the Irish in a precarious position, a single point ahead. Furno would later barge over in the corner, threatening Ireland’s lead. However, a heroic try-saving tackle from O’Mahony forced a foot in touch and denied the Italians a deserved try. Sexton added another six points to stretch the lead, and put breathing space between the sides. With 8 minutes to go, O’Mahony earned himself a yellow for entering a ruck without arms, contributing to a nervy finish for the Irish, riddled with errors.

Man of the match. Iain Henderson. Henderson was awarded Man of the Match after a powerful display at lock. Henderson was one of the few impressive Irish performers today, battling through some difficult yards with ball in hand. After today’s encounter, Schmidt’s men have secured a quarter final place. They'll now go on to do battle with the French in next week’s pool decider.