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.

“At 23-8 at half-time there was a real possibility we could have conceded a lot more tries, especially with the ball Ireland had in the second half,” he said.

“But the fact we didn’t was down to some fantastic defence and it’s something I’m really proud of.

“Ireland are a very good side. They’re very pragmatic and have got a very good set of backs, probably the best backline in Europe. It was our job not to give them ball.

“They played very well in the first half and took their opportunities. They were trying to score tries in the second half but I’m very proud of the way our guys defended.”

Mallett said he would be looking to improve his side’s line-out after they lost possession from seven of their own throws and stole just one Ireland line-out.

“That was the biggest disappointment,” he said. “There was a variety of reasons – some were poor calls – but it’s very tough to be competitive if you lose 50% of your line-out.

“It’s not something that’s been a problem for me but it’s an area we’re going to have to look at.”