The home side were on top from early on and thought they had struck first when Jordie Barrett crashed over, but the try was ruled out after the TMO spotted a knock-on from Ringrose in the build-up. It merely delayed the inevitable as, a few minutes later, some sharp handling created space for Deegan to...
With Aoibheann Reilly, 24, linking well with the 21-year-old pair of O’Brien and Dalton, Ireland have a youthful nine-10-12 axis. “They’re inexperienced but there’s skill and talent,” added Downey. “They’re malleable and they can be coached. “There’s leadership and there’s great depth from those young players.” Ireland are next in action against England in Cork...
Italy: Granzotto; Muzzo, Sillari, Rigoni, D’Inca; Stevanin, Stefan; Turani, Vecchini, Maris, Fedrighi, Duca, Tounesi, Sgorbini, Giordano (capt). Replacements: Gurioli, Zanette, Seye, Veronese, Ranuccini, Bitonci, Mannini, Capomaggi. Yellow card: Fedrighi Ireland: Flood; McCann, Dalton, Higgins, Costigan; O’Brien, Reilly; O’Dowd, Jones, Djougang, Campbell, Tuite, McMahon (capt), King, Wafer. Replacements: Moloney, McCarthy, Haney, Moore, Wall, Hogan, Lane, Breen....
