Two-try half-time scoreline flatters Ireland

Ambition was evident in Italy’s first-half play against Ireland at the Aviva stadium today, but they lacked accuracy and conceded the initiative with a series of unforced errors.

Botes failed to a land a tricky long-range penalty in the second minute, but Ireland were soon in control.

Though guilty of over-elaboration at times, Ireland made ground through Sean O’Brien and Stephen Ferris until Andrew Trimble was the target of a robust tackle from Giovanbattista Venditti during a promising attack down the left wing.

Botes and Jonathan Sexton exchanged penalties, but only once Ireland’s fly-half had been treated after taking a bang on the head.

Ireland exploded into life when Gordon D’Arcy raced through a large hole that had inexplicably opened up in the Azzurri’s midfield with Keith Earls and O’Brien in support.

The move sparked a period of sustained pressure and eventually Italy wilted before the onslaught with Earls diving over. Sexton landed the touchline conversion to make it 10-3.

Sports reporter Ian Cusack said: "The main positive from this first half is that on both occasions that Ireland entered the red zone, they came away with maximum points…It's been a far from perfect game, but a big second half can make this a fine start to the four-in-a-row."

A Sergio Parisse try, then one for Ireland from Tommy Bowe try and a Sexton conversion made it 17-10 at half-time.

Half-time score: Ireland 17 Italy 10