Mallet delighted with second half performance

Italy coach Nick Mallett was delighted with his side’s rearguard effort against Ireland at Croke Park today as they lost the second half only 6-3.

Italy, favourites to collect a third successive wooden spoon, scored their only try just before half-time through a charge down by Kaine Robertson, despite being down to 14 men with the sin-binning of centre Gonzalo Garcia for a dangerous tackle.