Ireland begin Six Nations defence

Ireland are beginning the defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown amid high expectations at Croke Park against wooden spoon favourites Italy.

Even without fly-half Jonathan Sexton, second row Donncha O’Callaghan and flanker Stephen Ferris, who all succumbed to injury, the 2009 Grand-Slam champions were expected to brush aside the challenge of the Azzurri, who have won just one of their last 10 championship matches.