'Home' crowd spurs Irish victory

Brian O'Driscoll felt right at home during Ireland's 36-6 victory over Italy on Sunday that clinched their progression into the quarter-finals.

More than 28,000 fans, nearly all of them in green, white and orange, witnessed a first-half performance that held a hungry Italian pack at bay before the Irish kicked away after the break with some expansive rugby.

"That was the best, seeing rows of green everywhere you look," O'Driscoll said of the support.

"It was like Lansdowne Road - in fact, I have played in Dublin before when it hasn't been that good."

Ireland fly half Ronan O'Gara kept the scoreboard busy at a stadium where kickers had previously suffered.

O'Gara, retaining his place ahead of Jonathan Sexton, stroked three penalties in the first 40 minutes as the Irish kept their noses in front despite a tough physical battle against the Italy forwards at Otago Stadium.

An injury to prop Martin Castrogiovanni three minutes before half-time in the final Pool C clash weakened the Azzurri in their key battleground with the score at 9-6.

Tough times

And Ireland won virtually every skirmish after the break, running in three tries against an increasingly ragged defence, while the Italians failed to take the few opportunities they had.
O'Gara finished with 16 points, and the scoreline allowed the luxury of a late appearance by Sexton, who was unerring with one penalty and a conversion.

Those scores were built on the foundation of a prize-fighting display from flanker Sean O'Brien, who took the man-of-the-match award.

"We've done our job but tough times are to come," said O'Brien, looking ahead to the quarter-final against Wales in Wellington on 8 October. "We're halfway there.

"There’s fire in the belly, and that's what we had tonight."

O'Brien drew whistles from the crowd when he needed to change his shirt just before half-time, enjoying a moment similar to Sonny Bill Williams' 'wardrobe malfunction' for New Zealand against Tonga as he struggled to force the jersey over his considerable torso.

Bruising run

"I don't think I really compare to Sonny Bill Williams, I don't really have the same body," he said.

"But I was trying to get the shirt on as soon as possible."

O'Driscoll sprinted through for his first try of the competition on 47 minutes. Another bruising run from him soon after led to the ball being recycled to Keith Earls, who scored in the corner, and Earls added another in the final minute to cap a great night for the Irish.

Italy coach Nick Mallett said the Irish support had been a significant factor in the outcome of the match.

"I think every New Zealander had a green shirt on tonight, because I don't believe there are that many Irish with enough euros to have been here," he said.

Italy looked a beaten side by the time O'Gara converted Earls' first try to make it 26-6 after 53 minutes.

Take responsibility

And with the Azzurri making 97 tackles - 38 more than the Irish - fatigue set in as the Irish backs took control.

Italy's lack of bite was summed up by an overthrown lineout from hooker Salvatore Perugini as they set up for a drive in Ireland's 22 late in the match, gifting possession back to the men in green.

"We have to be men about it and take responsibility," said Italy captain Sergio Parisse after their bid for a first quarter-final appearance fell short.

"No-one took a backward step on the pitch. We have to be realistic and say Ireland are a better team than us, and they played at a higher level than us."