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Ireland began their Six Nations campaign with a win over Italy at the weekend, however it was a less than stellar performance from the team as unforced errors almost cost them victory.

Italy took an early lead in the game with Mirco Bergamasco slotting over his first penalty after Ireland’s Sean O’Brien was penalised for not releasing.

Ireland tried to gain a foothold in the match for most of the first quarter but a series of unforced errors and poor handling skills put an end to any scoring opportunities.

It was only when the half-hour mark approached that Ireland finally looked like scoring when O’Brien cut through the Italian defence to offload to Jonathan Sexton.

Sexton was bundled into touch just before the Italian line, but he didn’t come away empty handed. After an infringement from the home side, Sexton levelled the scores with a penalty of his own.

Play became scrappy for both sides and on the stroke of half time Bergamasco gave his side the lead by landing his second penalty.

As the second half got underway, Ireland emerged a different side and their intensity forced the Italians onto the back foot.

A series of good recycled ball from the Ireland forwards brought them ever closer to the Italian’s 22 and spotting a gap in their defence, Brian O’Driscoll cut inside to score the first try of the game, with Sexton adding the extras.

Ireland had ample more opportunities to take the game out of Italy’s reach but poor passes and knock ons halted any further progress.

With seven minutes left, Ireland were forced to defend hard after Denis Leamy was sin binned for an offside infringement.

It was then when the Italians began their comeback when Luke McClean stormed over Ireland’s try line with just five minutes left on the clock.

Luckily for Ireland, Bergamasco missed the conversion and Italy failed to win the crucial restart.

With just three minutes left and Italy with a one-point lead, O’Gara recreated his efforts of 2009 with an impressive drop goal, to snatch victory back from the home side.

Meanwhile, on Friday night’s opening match, Wales played host to England at the Millennium Stadium, where Northampton’s Chris Ashton ran in two tries to seal the win for his side.

France also played host to Scotland, bringing in a 34 – 21 victory despite the Scots staging a number of successful comebacks.

Labels: begin, Insideirelandie, Irelandaposs, Italy, Nations

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 6:18 PM on 6th February 2011

Robbie Keane looks to be out of the Republic of Ireland's Carling Nations Cup opener against Wales after picking up a calf injury in West Ham's 1-0 defeat to Birmingham.

Keane, who scored on his Hammers debut at Blackpool on Wednesday, had to come off with 15 minutes of Sunday's match at Upton Park remaining after feeling his calf tighten.

West Ham boss Avram Grant said that he believes the 30-year-old is out of Tuesday's game in Dublin and could miss next weekend's crucial match at West Brom.

Grant said: 'Robbie Keane is injured. His calf has tightened. We will have to wait and see. I hope he will be fit for next weekend but he will not be fit for the international.'

Celtic's Anthony Stokes was placed on standby for a call-up when Giovanni Trapattoni named his squad last week and could replace Keane if he is pulled out.

Bristol City striker Andy Keogh had to be drafted into the Republic squad on Saturday after Newcastle striker Leon Best was injured in his side`s remarkable 4-4 draw with Arsenal.

Labels: after, clash, Daily, injury, Irelandaposs, Keane, picking, Wales