Final Scoreline Flatters Ireland

In the end the scoreboard showed that Ireland had recorded their biggest margin of victory over the Italians but Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll agreed that it did flatter his side somewhat.
“We knew the Italians were going to be tough and they certainly proved to be in that opening half. We only managed to score a couple tries in injury time and yes that scoreline at half time was a little flattering. But we knew we would have to wear them down and we did that and I would have to be happy with the overal performance even if the final scoreline probably flatterd us a little.” he said

Coach Eddie O’Sullivan felt that the turning point came in the opening half after his side had weathered an Italian storm. “We were under pressure there for a period when they nearly scored a try in the corner but I’d have to be very pleased with the way we defended and once we survived that, we then got those two late tries which gave us a great boost. It took us a bit of time to get going, we couldn’t get any momentum, couldn’t clear the rucks at ruck time. It was all a bit stop start. We did get into our stride before half time and as the game wore on we got into our rhythm and scored some good tries. I’m delighted for Denis (Hickie), he’s been unlucky with injuries, it’s been a long road back for him and he showed good form today.”

“I thought we were sharper than the Welsh game. That’s the second solid performance we given now with a team today that showed a lot of changes from the Welsh game. All in all I’d be happy with the way things are going.”

He went to say that John Kelly had suffered a rib cartilage injury while Victor Costello injured a finger but the extent of those injuries would not be known until both received thorough medical examination.