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Six Nations | Group Stage
Feb 7, 2015 at 2.30pm UK
 
Italy
3-26
Ireland
FT
Murray (64'), O'Donnell (66')

Ireland overpower Italy in Six Nations opener

Ireland finish strongly to secure a 26-3 win over Italy in their opening match of the 2015 Six Nations.

Ireland scored two tries in a minute to set up a comfortable 26-3 win over Italy in their opening fixture in this year's Six Nations championship.

Tommy O'Donnell of Ireland dives over to score his team's second try during the RBS Six Nations match between Italy and Ireland at the Stadio Olimpico on February 7, 2015© Getty Images

The home side defended hard to ensure that the defending champions did not get an early try on the board, but Ian Keatley managed to open up a nine-point lead with three penalties.

Kelly Haimona got Italy off the mark just before the break, converting a penalty after an Ireland infringement.

Chances continued to remain at a premium after the restart, but Conor Murray finally managed to add the first try of the match, scooping the ball up from a lineout to pile over.

Ireland needed just a minute to add their second as Tommy O'Donnell made the most of Leonardo Ghiraldini being sent to the sin bin to burst through a gap and give the visitors a healthy winning margin.

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Declan Kidney
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