A late change in the Irish line-up
Ireland were hit with a late injury blow, less than 15 minutes before kick-off against Italy, in Rome, this afternoon.
Sean O’Brien tweaked his hamstring during a rucking drill on the pitch at the Stadio Olimpico. O’Brien has played just two games all season – Glasgow (for Leinster) and England Saxons (for Wolfhounds).
He was drafted into the Ireland team on Thursday after Jamie Heaslip failed to train fully on Tuesday. Tommy O’Donnell has replaced him in the team. Robbie Diack is now on the bench.
Ireland lead 9-3 at half-time after Ian Keatley slotted three from three from the kicking tee. Kelly Haimona responded for the hosts.
Keatley made it 12-3 after the break before the Italian resistance finally wilted, late on. Conor Murray and Tommy O’Donnell scored the tries to make it 26-3 and the defence held on in the closing stages.
