Roman ruins as Ireland finally crumble

Italy 22 Ireland 15

Ireland limped out of the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening like soldiers disembarking a troop ship from Gallipoli and only brave Scottish defending on another front against the French saved them from the ignominy of last place for their troubles.

This was a terrible day’s work for an injury-hit Ireland in Rome as they fell to first defeat to Italy in 13 years since the Azzurri turned Five Nations into Six.