Immaturity cost us, says Mallet

ITALY coach Nick Mallett blamed his side’s inexperience for blowing the chance of an historic first Six Nations victory over Ireland.

The Azzurri had edged in front of the visitors at 11-10 with a Luke McLean try five minutes from time. Italy, though, managed to hold that slender lead only momentarily as Ireland regrouped and Ronan O’Gara fired over a 78th-minute drop goal to win the game 13-11.

“The team still has to learn how tocontrol the ball in attack, we’ve got to be much more patient and when we’re ahead like we were in the last four minutes we can’t miss a kick-off and give the ball straight back to Ireland,” South African Mallett said.