Italy – Ireland

Second match of 2009 RBS Six Nation sees Ireland top of the table after clinching another victory over the home crowded Italians. Beautiful winter sunshine at The Stadio Flaminio in Rome welcomed Irish players with their captain Brian O’Driscoll earning his 90th cap while prop John Hayes equalling the Irish cap record of 91 appearances of a fellow squad member Malcolm O’Kelly.

After an unsettled early stages of the match where Ireland conceived two penalties, Italy spread the ball through the backs but wayward pass collected by the flying Tommy Bowe sprinting a good 50 meters to touch down by the posts.

After a long spell in Italian territory and 19 phases of play Ireland added second try just before the end of first half when Leinster wing Luke Fitzgerald dashed home for his first international try.

Ireland quickly added a third try early in the second half after flanker David Wallace bursts through the tackle of Italian defenders to touch down and ending Italy’s spirited resistance.

At this time the Ireland had the game firmly in their hands. Two more tries from Leinster duo Luke Fitzgerald and captain Brian O’Driscoll in the late stages of the game gave the final result of what was hardly a classic match.

Full credit to Ireland for stepping on the gas in the second half.