Ireland hold slim lead against Italy

Italy 6 Ireland 8

Ireland lead Italy at half-time in the Stadio Flaminio in Rome today but are facing a tough test from a physical Azzurri side.

Italy deservedly led through Luciano Orquera's penalty before Ireland equalised with a penalty from the boot of Ronan O'Gara.

Ireland then took the lead against the run of play on 26 minutes. Brian O'Driscoll burst into life, cutting through the Italian defence and releasing Geordan Murphy, who managed to ground the ball despite fierce pressure.

The try was given after referee Paddy O'Brien consulted the TV official.

Ireland suffered a major blow on the half hour when Gordon D'Arcy was forced off with a hamstring injury, throwing his whole Six Nations campaign into doubt.

Roland De Marigny brought Italy with two points on 34 minutes with an excellent long range penalty.