The ending of this test match pretty much summed up Ireland’s overall performance. A penalty opportunity spurned as Jack Crowley kicked the ball dead. The finer details not sharp enough but a win secured in nervy circumstances.
Italy will leave Dublin bitterly disappointed. The Italian scrum was on top. Clarkson, Sheehan and Loughman going backwards at set piece and Italy gained easy field position as a result. Tadhg Furlong summoned off the bench did not fare any better at set piece.
The visitors lively in the opening ten minutes but then the first big call from Hollie Davidson. Louis Linage yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on. The pass from Sam Prendergast demanded that the Italian winger look to intercept. Harsh call personally.
The sin bin allowed Ireland an opportunity for Ireland to setup an attacking platform. Craig Casey was looking to zip passes out. Players were in good attacking line positions. Unfortunately, the fundamental issue was at ten.
Sam Prendergast endured another torrid afternoon. Italy rattled the half-back early and often. Ireland had squandered opportunities but Osborne ran a super line to support the impressive McCloskey to score the opening try.
The conversion was a horrible effort. Prendergast lacking confidence. The approach lacked conviction. 5-0. Italy out of jail and then looked to setup field position themselves.
Garbisi slotted home a good penalty to open the Italian account after the yellow card with six minutes left. Craig Casey now in the sin bin after a high tackle against the marauding Cannone. Casey passive but the laws dictate otherwise.
Italy have evolved. Their pack was superior to the Ireland unit throughout. Nicotera with an excellent maul try from close range. Garbisi slotting the extras. 5-10 at the break. Ireland visibly tiring as the half concluded.
Italy with the upper hand but a significant moment right at the break. The visitors camped on the Ireland line. McCloskey with a vital turnover. Casey’s sin bin completed. Ireland’s team talk at half-time was the tonic.
Ireland improved after the break. There was more intent in the ball carries and gain line meters followed. Jack Conan with yet another solid game scoring Ireland’s second try three minutes into the second half.
Sam Prendergast’s afternoon was done after fifty minutes. Jack Crowley assumed control at ten and Ireland looked a better side with ball in hand. McCloskey and Ringrose ball carries duly noted.
Italy now under the pump. Ireland scored their third try of the afternoon with Baloucoune crossing over. A lovely score. Ireland looking to find space. McCloskey’s NFL pass to Baloucoune standout as the Ulster Rugby winger powered his way over.
In eras gone by, this would have been the cue for Italy to accept their fate. The visitors though assumed control in the closing stages of the contest. Davidson unconvinced of Ireland breakdown work throughout pinging the hosts with late penalties.
Garbisi with a superb penalty reduced the arrears to 20-13. Italy offered field position late as Edwin Edogbo was harshly pinged at the breakdown. Davidson leniency in short supply. Ireland defensive sets impressive.
The ending of this test match saw Ioane decide to offload out wide but James Lowe intercepted. Italy back pedaling on the intercept. Ireland awarded a penalty for Menoncello coming in from the side. Crowley’s kick dead ended the contest.
Ireland on another day should have lost this test match. Italy have shown improvement but Ireland’s overall balance is a work in progress. The ten jersey is a live debate. Prendergast needs to be taken out of the firing line, regroup and move back stronger.
Crowley’s cameo was inconsistent. There were some lovely skip passes. The Osborne penalty occurred because Crowley decided to play in the wrong end of the pitch. The ending of the contest will also focus minds. The ball kicked dead from that range at test match level is poor.
Does Harry Byrne or Ciaran Frawley come into the equation for next week? Sam Prendergast’s defensive performance again raised more questions. Andy Farrell and Ireland management have a key decision to make.
The Ireland front five performance lacked physicality. The set piece particularly scrum was second best. The breakdown battle will focus minds. Joe McCarthy again subdued. Tadhg Beirne making an immediate impact along with James Ryan.
A win for Ireland but significant questions to close before a daunting trip to Twickenham next weekend. Italy secure a loser point but it should have been more. Lynagh’s disallowed try is a big moment.
Italy have the small task of France next week, their mindset after this loss will be interesting. We are seeing a vastly improved Italian outfit which is super news for the tournament organizers.