Irish see off Italy to advance

Italian coach Jacques Brunel was delighted his side could finally produce a performance of note at the Rugby World Cup, but rued missed opportunities after pushing Ireland hard before losing 16-9 at the Olympic Stadium.

The Italians, who cannot reach the knockout stage after their second defeat in three Pool D games, gave the Six Nations champions some nervous moments in their third outing of the tournament.

They were equals in the scrum, forced Ireland to revert to a tactical kicking game with stifling defence and it was only in the line-outs where Italy were clearly second best.

Brunel, who recalled Exeter Chiefs newcomer Michele Campagnaro to the starting line-up alongside Azzurri captain Sergio Parisse, was left to reflect on a last-ditch try-line tackle on Italy lock Josh Furno at the start of the second half, when his side trailed 10-6, that he said could have changed the game.

"It's a missed opportunity, of course," said Brunel. "We have the ability to challenge teams. We would like to be a main player in a game, to prove we can play at this level. We can do better but we have shown the qualities we have."

Keith Earls's 19th-minute try was the highlight for the Irish, whose other points came courtesy of the boot of fly-half Jonathan Sexton.

Italy complete their pool campaign against Romania in Exeter next Sunday.

Ireland: Zebo; Bowe, Earls (Fitzgerald 76), Henshaw, D Kearney; Sexton, Murray; McGrath (Healey 58), Best (Cronin 70), Ross (White 58), Henderson (Toner 67), O'Connell (capt), O'Mahony, O'Brien (Henry 67), Heaslip. Replacements (not used): Reddan, Madigan

Try: Earls Conversion: Sexton Penalties: Sexton (3)

Yellow Card: O'Mahony (72).

Italy: McLean; Sarto, Campagnaro, Garcia, Venditti; Allan (Canna 65), Gori (Palazzani 76); Aguero (Rizzo 62), Manici, Cittadini (Chistolini 62), Geldenhuys, Furno, Minto, Favaro (Bergamasco 67), Parisse (capt, Zanni 70). Replacement (not used): Benvenuti.

Penalties: Allan (3)

Referee: Jerome Garces (France).

Att: 52,187