Ireland too strong for Italy

Ireland launched their RBS 6 Nations title defence with a 29-11 victory over Italy at Croke Park that was as frustrating as it was comfortable.

Jamie Heaslip and Tomas O'Leary crossed to help establish a 23-8 interval lead, but the Grand Slam champions then lost their way and never troubled the whitewash again.

Italy, who scored their try through a Kaine Robertson charge down, staged a damage limitation exercise after the one-sided first half that was highly effective and killed the match as a spectacle.

Ronan O'Gara kept the scoreboard ticking over and finished with 16 points until his departure with 15 minutes to go, but it was a far from convincing afternoon for the hosts.

They failed to maintain their authority up front and suffered as a result, showing only the odd flash of brilliance, and must improve significantly if they are to have any hope of beating France in Paris next Saturday.

It was a combative but typically limited display by Italy, who are often at their strongest in the opening match of the championship before falling away as injuries mount and morale deteriorates.

Sorely missing their inspirational captain Sergio Parisse to a knee injury, they toiled throughout and even struggled at the scrum, a department they were expected to dominate.

Feared veteran prop Martin Castrogiovanni came off worse against rookie Cian Healy, winning his third cap, to ensure a precious area of Azzurri pride was humbled.

John Hayes, Ireland's own grizzled front row, played his part at the set piece too as the 36-year-old celebrated his 100th Test cap and 50th successive tournament appearance.

It was also a memorable afternoon for O'Gara, who marked his recall to the side at the expense of dead leg victim Jonathan Sexton by becoming the first player to score 500 championship points.