Six Nations: Ireland edge out Italy

To avoid a first defeat by Italy in the RBS 6 Nations,Ireland needed a late drop-goal from Ronan O'Gara.

In the 76th minute through a try from Luke McLean,The Azzurri crept 11-10 ahead , and one of the championship's greatest upsets looked likely.

It was a upset start to the campaign for a side hoping to be in the title mix, but there was nothing on show at the Stadio Flaminio to suggest they can win the Six Nations.

Brian O'Driscoll crossed in the 44th minute while Jonathan Sexton kicked five points, but it was otherwise a torrid afternoon for the 2009 champions.

Ireland were missing 12 Test players to injury, among them Jamie Heaslip and Tommy Bowe, yet still fielded a side averaging 35 caps per player.