Peter O’Mahony was putting it on a plate for him too.
Rob Kearney has not scored a Test try since October 2015, 16 games ago.
The fullback is in a decent run of form and is keeping his teammates and coaches happy but he will be aware of his scoring drought. For a fullback in a side that scores its fair share of tries, and wins regularly, it is something he would love to rectify.
Kearney does have 18 Test tries and his last try came on the back of a three-game scoring streak but once the tries dry up, players often wonder where the next one is coming from.
At 35-0 to Ireland and with 47 minutes gone at the Aviva Stadium, Kearney had his chance. Italy had left a big gap in their defensive line – not for the first time – and Conot Murray teamed up with O’Mahony before the Munster captain went to switch back to the on-rushing try.
It was going to be a try, no doubt about it.
And then referee Romain Poite stepped into the line and blocked the pass. Kearney could hardly contain his frustration, and rightly so.
Nice one Romain!
The ref, in fairness, did apologise but the wait goes on.
