Online Reporter
Ireland coach Andy Farell praised his side for the “unbelievable character” they showed in holding on for a nerve-wracking 20-13 win over Italy in a thrilling Six Nations match at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
The Italians just came up short of recording their first-ever Six Nations win in Dublin, but two second-half tries by the hosts – including one by man of the match Robert Baloucoune – was enough to see them over the line.
Farrell had been extremely disappointed by Ireland’s performance in their opening 36-14 hammering by France – and he admitted they had been a long way from perfect against the Italians.
“It was a hell of a test match,” Farrell told Virgin Media.
“From our side of things, there are obviously things we need to address as far as errors and getting better, but the story of the match for me is that we showed unbelievable character to come through against a very good Italian side.
“They don’t go away like they used to do, that’s for sure.”
Farrell, who made six changes to the starting line-up from the French match, will have been alarmed by the way in which the scrum once again cracked but impressed by the defence against waves of Italian attacks in the final 10 minutes.
“It’s unbelievable pride from myself and coaching staff, proud of the fighting spirit. Italy were knocking the door down constantly in those last 10 minutes, but we stood strong,” said the 50-year-old Englishman.
Irish captain Caelan Doris breathed a sigh of relief and said it had been a “proper battle”.
“That was a proper battle the whole way through,” he told broadcaster Virgin Media.
“That last 10-minute period, we defended quite a bit in our own 22, so I’m happy with some of the character we showed.” – SuperSport
Peter Tanyanyiwa