Italy expose Irish weaknesses

Ireland 1 Italy 2

Manager Brian Kerr will hope the game was merely a friendly lull ahead of the French clash next month as his side were torn apart by an Italy side still in pre-season.

The fact that this was Kerr's first defeat in 18 Lansdowne Road matches after 12 wins and five draws since his appointment two-and-a-half years ago, will not prove of particular concern.