As Ireland head to Rome for the final Six Nations match of 2013, they go there in the knowledge that they have never lost to the Italians in the Six Nations or the World Cup.

But while Ireland has beaten the Azurri by at least a 30 point margin in the last two encounters at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the 2012 Six Nations, Italy has stepped up a level in the past decade and results have been much closer…

 

2011 Six Nations

Two years ago in the opening weekend of the Six Nations in Rome’s Stadio Flaminio, Italy came as close as they have ever been to beating the Irish.

Ronan O’Gara’s international career may be over now but back in 2011 he was indispensable and if it was not for his drop goal just two minutes from time, the Azurri would have claimed a one point victory.

Italy had taken a 6 – 3 lead into half-time as Declan Kidney’s struggled. But a converted Brian O’Driscoll try and Jonathan Sexton conversion gave Ireland a  10 – 6 lead when disaster struck five minutes from the final whistle as Luke McLean powered over. Fortunately for Ireland, Mirco Bergamasco failed to convert before O’Gara pulled one out of the bag.

Still, Italy did have something to celebrate by the end of the Championship as back Andrea Masi was named as player of the tournament, partly due to his try-scoring performance as they made a breakthrough against the French in a historic win.

 

2009 Six Nations

Ireland’s historic and emotional Grand Slam win means this one got brushed under the carpet to an extent.

But although Kidney’s men emerged from the Rome arena with victory, the 38 – 9 final score was actually very flattering.

Italy were fired up having lost heavily to England the previous weekend, putting pressure on Ireland early on. O’Driscoll, O’Gara and co managed to eek out a 14 – 9 lead at half-time after a scrappy first 40.

Ireland were more composed in the second half as Luke Fitzgerald, David Wallace and O’Driscoll got crucial tries as Ireland ended week two of the 2009 Six Nations with maximum points, propelling themselves towards Grand Slam glory.

 

2008 Six Nations

The previous year the result was much closer at 16 – 11. It was the opening weekend of the Six Nations, with Ireland hosting Italy in front of 75,000 at Croke Park. But Eddie O’Sullivan’s team made hard going of the encounter.

A first half Girvan Dempsey try was cancelled out by Martin Castrogiovanni 20 minutes from time which left the kicking battle as the key arbiter of the match.

Ronan O’Gara three penalties from four and a conversion while his opposite number David Bortolussi kicked two penalties from three and missed a conversion – the smallest of margins.

 

Ireland and England are the only sides that Italy has yet to defeat in the Six Nations which means that Declan Kidney’s side should be wary as the Azurri seek that elusive scalp.

 

©INPHO/Billy Stickland