Johns, Italy in world of hurt
JACK Johns was last night sent to hospital for scans on a suspected broken arm, which capped a horror afternoon for Italy as Ireland caused the first World Cup boilover.
The Irish won 36-12 on a hot afternoon when their substitutes did their best to avoid sunburn by wearing straw hats on the sidelines.
English-born winger Liam Kay posted a first-half try double to give Ireland a lead they never really looked like surrendering.
Ireland had racked up more points by halftime than they were able to score in their entire disastrous Cup campaign of 2013.
Johns was forced from the field straight after half-time with an arm injury. Coach Cameron Ciraldo said it was ‘‘50/50’’ if there was a break, and it would be cruel if Matty Johns’ son was rubbed out the remainder of the Cup.
The potential loss of Johns places more importance on the return of Terry Campese against the USA on Sunday after he missed yesterday’s loss because of a calf strain.