Match Story

nIreland suffered an early blow with Tadhg Furlong pulling up lame, but their attacking intent was generously rewarded with tries from Robbie Henshaw and Conor Murray by the 14th minute.

Bundee Aki added the third on 21 and while some opportunities were squandered, Keith Earls pounced for the bonus try five minutes from the interval. Iain Henderson and Jack Conan were withdrawn.

nIreland needed just four secondhalf minutes to add their fifth try. However, Henshaw (right) smashed up his shoulder when grounding the ball. It wasn’t long after that Joe Schmidt decided not to risk further injury as he withdrew half-backs Johnny Sexton and Murray on 51 minutes.

nThat was a frustrating finish as it had been hoped Ireland’s bench would run the legs off the Italians, as happened last year in Rome during the final quarter.

nSkipper Rory Best quickly added his side’s sixth try, but a rejigged Ireland were to lose their shape with all the changes and were outscored 14-19 in the closing 25 minutes of play.