Ireland 20-13 Italy: Hosts survive major scare to claim first Six Nations win | Baloucoune spares…

Explore the latest developments concerning Ireland 20-13 Italy:.

Ireland 20-13 Italy: Hosts survive major scare to claim first Six Nations win

Ireland rally in second half to produce comeback win over Italy

Ireland survived a major scare from Italy to claim their first win in this year's Six Nations and deny the Azzurri a first championship victory in Dublin.

Hurting from last week's thumping defeat by France in Paris, Ireland took the lead through Jamie Osborne's unconverted try after Italy wing Louis Lynagh's yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.

But momentum shifted in Italy's favour, and after Paolo Garbisi's penalty and Ireland scrum-half Craig Casey's yellow card, hooker Giacomo Nicotera crashed over to give the Italians a deserved half-time lead.

Ireland, who slipped to fifth in the world rankings for the first time in nearly four years after losing to France, responded three minutes after the restart through Jack Conan.

Baloucoune spares Ireland’s Six Nations blushes as they recover to see off Italy

After what felt like 40 days and 40 nights of darkness and rain, the sun came out in Dublin. Cold, yes, and a grey day by kick-off but bright enough to throw light on an Ireland side scrambling for their footing, and a bullish Italy one looking to break new ground.

Never having won a Six Nations game in Dublin might be the sort of statistic to weigh you down. The Azzurri carried it like a backpack with only a couple of bits and bobs. For the first 40 minutes of physical, narky and very watchable Test rugby, they looked like they have never looked before at this venue in this competition: a well-rounded side with self-assurance to go with passion. By the end of 80 minutes the picture had changed only to reflect a shortage of finesse to finish, as they pounded away in the Ireland 22 before James Lowe lifted the siege.

Ireland change six while Italy stick with winning combo

Your digital subscription includes access to content from all our websites in your region.
Access unlimited content and the digital versions of our print editions – Today's Paper.

Ireland have made six changes for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Italy while the visitors have gone with one enforced change.

From which it can be deduced that Ireland lost their opening match, badly, while Italy won.

That was the case with Ireland soundly beaten by ‌France 36-14 in Paris while Italy defeated Scotland in Rome.

Ireland have handed Robert Baloucoune (wing) and Cormac ‌Izuchukwu (back row) their tournament debuts.

Jack Conan comes in ​at No.8 while James Ryan, who made an impact off the bench in last week's defeat, starts at lock

For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Ireland 20-13 Italy:.

For more news…