adminIreland booked their quarter-final place at the World Cup but only after having to withstand a strong challenge from a Sergio Parisse-inspired Italy. Keith Earls’s 19th-minute try helped Ireland lead 10-3 but a second Tommaso Allan penalty cut the margin to four.
Ireland needed a last-ditch Peter O’Mahony tackle on Josh Furno to stay ahead after the break. Allan’s third penalty reduced Ireland’s lead to the minimum before two relieving Johnny Sexton kicks in reply.
Better line-out work from the Italians could have seen them earn a shock victory with the Irish making three vital steals during the contest. Ireland needed another heroic performance from lock Iain Henderson as his series of carries were in marked contrast to the largely ineffective efforts of the Ireland back row.
Scrum-half Conor Murray had an afternoon to forget as many of the struggles of Ireland’s warm-up matches re-emerged. — BBC Sport
Online Reporter