Italy 22 Ireland 41
Centre Rob Henderson scored three tries as Ireland eased to a 41-22 victory over Italy, who had scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon sent off, in the opening match of the Six Nations championship today.
Irish flyhalf Ronan O'Gara scored 21 points, including a second half try, but it was Henderson who caught the eye with two fine tries from long distance.
His third, when he touched down a kick ahead by left winger Tyrone How, knocked the wind out of Italy early in the second period after they had reached halftime just four points down at 19-15.
Right wing Shane Horgan soon added another Irish try but tight Italy defence keep the visitors at bay until Troncon, warned earlier, was shown the red card by South African referee Jonathan Kaplan after punching opposite number Peter Stringer.
O'Gara quickly ran in a fifth Irish try, his first for Ireland. But Italy salved their pride with an injury time try - their third - by flanker Mauro Bergamasco.
Italy matched Ireland for the first 20 minutes. Winger Corrado Pilat's try finished a sweeping move ignited by fullback Cristian Stoica to score and put the home side 8-6 ahead. Pilat, the side's kicker, was injured scoring and had to be replaced. Lock Carlo Checchinato scored Italy's second try in the first half.
Italy badly missed Diego Dominguez's kicking ability as they missed three of their first four penalties, most of them within easy range.
Dominguez, who was due to come out of retirement to play on Saturday, pulled out shortly before kick-off with a groin injury.
Reuters