Flannery try gives comfort to Ireland

A try by Jerry Flannery and conversion by Ronan O'Gara have put Ireland's score in double digits against Italy in Lansdowne Road.

Italy made an impressive start in the Six Nations clash with Gonzalo Canale bursting through the midfield before the ball spun left where neat handling from Marco Bortolami released Ludovico Nitoglia.

The Calvisano winger was quickly bundled into the touch but Italy’s desire to move the ball wide had put Ireland under early pressure that remained until Paul Griffin knocked on.

Ronan O’Gara fired a crossfield bomb for Tommy Bowe but the ball fell just beyond the Ulster winger as Ireland broke from their own half.

Italy were soon back on the offensive, however, showing plenty of invention with a pre-planned backs move which saw the ball swept right and then left.

Griffin took possession and slipped a grubber behind Shane Horgan, who conceded a penalty for not releasing and Ramiro Pez drew first blood with the ensuing kick at goal.

Some thunderous defence prevented Ireland building any momentum when they attacked, although Stoica was lucky not to be punished for a late tackle on Murphy.

O’Gara missed a penalty from close to the halfway line to complete a miserable opening quarter from Ireland, who had been outplayed by the underdogs.