Ireland Stumble Across The Line In Opener

Ireland 16 Italy 11

By Dermot Kavanagh

Ireland began their Six Nations campaign at Croke Park on Saturday with a win but in reality it could have been an embarrassing defeat. For all the soulsearching and post-mortems that have taken place since their embarrassing World Cup campaign, Ireland do not appear to have progressed much. The only improvement or change of attitude that has taken place is that Manager Eddie O'Sullivan made better use of the substitute bench than heretofore.

It was no surprise that Italy's main match strategy was keep the ball amongst the forwards, a situation where they were most comfortable and where they caused Ireland no end of discomfort. This Italian strategy was particularly evident in the line-out exchanges where they won all their own throw-ins and stole a number of Irelands efforts.

The selection of Eoin Reddan over Peter Stringer at scrum-half was fully justified as the Wasps player, making his Six Nations debut, put in a sterling performance. His partnership with Ronan O'Gara looks as if it could serve Ireland well over the next few seasons. Once again the midfielder pairing of Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy failed to perform to previous levels. A change in this department is now required as D'Arcy is out of the rest of the championships due to a stress fracture of his forearm incurred in making a tackle.

Ireland's only try came midway through the first half through fullback Girvan Dempsey. However, if the attendance of over 77,000 thought that the floodgates would then open in Irelands favour the Italians quickly dispelled such notions with some impressive defending. Ireland would not threaten the Italian line again for the remainder of the game.

When Italy, following a strong forward drive crossed for a try in the 65th minute Ireland were left defending a lead of five points, a lead that they never looked like increasing.

The final five minutes of play were nerve-wrecking for Ireland. Italy aware that a converted try would seal an unlikely win, began to run at Ireland from over the field. Full credit to Ireland for not conceding any needless penalties as the pressure mounted in the final hectic minutes. The full-time whistle was greeted with more relief than satisfaction. Unless a major improvement in general play and decision making is brought into next weekends away game against France it could be a difficult afternoon in the Parisian sunshine for Ireland.