Six Nations: Italy 22 Ireland 15

I watched this in a bar in Parabagio, just north of Milan and by the second half our thoughts had turned to the worst Irish 15 of all time. None of the present incumbents made the team but it was something that distracted us from the fare on show.

When the bar room chatter and the half time flirting of Diego Domingez and the rather attractive Italian Sky TV female presenter are the highlights you know the game is in trouble.

It was no fault of the Italians who scented blood and went for a memorable win and really it wasn’t the fault of the young and inexperienced Irish players, who performed well as the more experienced heads imploded with astonishing bouts of petulance.

Ulster’s Paddy Jackson put Ireland ahead with a well struck penalty from just outside the 22 on the five minute mark but the hosts were level minutes later with Orquera slotting over his first penalty . . .