Italrugby, dream against Ireland in Dublin lasts only one half

A first half of great intensity in Dublin was not enough for Italyrugby, defeated by Ireland in the second day in the Six Nations. The start was encouraging for the Azzurri, who resisted Irish attacks in the first few minutes thanks to a tidy and effective defense. Dan Sheehan was stopped a step from the line, while Lamaro signed a decisive recovery ten meters from their own goal area, a symbol of a careful and combative team.

Andrea Gussoni

In the 11th minute comes the first key incident: Lynagh is cautioned for an intentional forward and leaves her teammates outnumbered for ten minutes. Despite this, Italy holds the field with maturity. However, Ireland took advantage of the extra man in the 17th minute, finding the goal with Osborne; Prendergast missed the conversion and the score remained at 5-0. The Azzurri response is immediate. In the 20th minute Garbisi shortens from the square, then in the final half Nicotera materializes an advancing maul with the overtaking goal, converted again by Garbisi. It goes to halftime on 10-5 for Italy.

In the second half the inertia changes. Ireland upped the tempo and in the 42nd minute found a goal with Conan, but without hitting the posts. The Azzurri stayed in the opponents’ 22 for a long time, but between mistakes and unfavorable decisions they failed to capitalize. In the 57th minute Baloucoune breaks through the defensive line and goes for a central dunk; Crowley converts for the 17-10 that directs the match. In the final it is Italian onslaught: Garbisi looks for the deep lineout, Menoncello tries to break through, Lynagh inserts looking for the equalizing goal. But time ran out and Ireland managed until the final 20-13.

Despite the knockout, Italy leaves the field with positive indications. Appointment for March 22 in Lille against France.