Ireland’s Six Nations campaign hit the buffers on Day 2 with a determined Italy edging the second round match 11 – 10 in Montlucon.
France and England remain unbeaten with France overpowering Scotland 75- 6 and England beating Wales 47 – 10 the Irish now find themselves in third place behind the undefeated two, but with Ireland still to play both of the teams above them their fate still lies in their own hands.
It was a determined Italian team that took the field, looking to make up ground following their first round loss to France, but they were met by a confident Ireland looking to push on after their comfortable victory over Wales.
The first half was tight but the Italians got a decisive edge in the scrum and frequently disrupted the Ireland line out leaving the Irish relying on their strong defence to keep the scores tight.
Ireland captain James McCarthy took the initiative in the second half and moved himself into hooker to shore up the forward battle and the Irish began to get on top in the tight but both sides found it difficult to break down the resolute defences.
Graham Merrigan scored Ireland’s try and it . . .
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