"After what felt like 40 days and 40 nights of darkness and rain, the sun came out in Dublin. Cold, yes, and a grey day by kick-off but bright enough to throw light on an Ireland side scrambling for their footing, and a bullish Italy one looking to break new ground. Never having won a Six Nations game in Dublin might be the sort of statistic to weigh you down."
"For the first 40 minutes of physical, narky and very watchable Test rugby, they looked like they have never looked before at this venue in this competition: a well-rounded side with self-assurance to go with passion. By the end of 80 minutes the picture had changed only to reflect a shortage of finesse to finish, as they pounded away in the Ireland 22 before James Lowe lifted the siege."
Bright sunshine in Dublin revealed a confident Italian side and an Ireland side searching for footing. Italy, historically winless in Dublin, started strongly and produced physical, aggressive rugby in the first 40 minutes, appearing well-rounded and self-assured. Ireland adjusted, improving aerial retrieval and contestable breakdowns, with wing changes bringing relief and energy. A sin-bin for Craig Casey and two scrum penalties gave Italy territorial advantage, but Italy failed to convert pressure into a larger lead. Italy pounded inside the Ireland 22 late on but lacked finesse to finish, and James Lowe's intervention helped lift the siege as Ireland prevailed 20-13.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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