Grand Slam winners start Rugby World Cup warm-up series with a solid home win

Posted by Eticketing.co on August 8th, 2023

Despite a sluggish beginning, the team under Andy Farrell's leadership showcased remarkable performance in the initial half of the Rugby World Cup game. Commanding a 21-3 lead at halftime, courtesy of tries scored by Dave Kilcoyne. The standout player of the match Caelan Doris, and Stuart McCloskey.

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As the match progressed into the second half, the host team's pace and intensity somewhat diminished. However, they managed to maintain their advantage. Securing additional points through a try by Cian Healy and another by Caelan Doris.

Italy managed to stage a partial comeback in the latter half, securing tries from Lorenzo Pani and Tommaso Menoncello. In essence, despite a slower start and a slightly reduced tempo in the second half. Andy Farrell's men maintained their lead and secured a victory against Italy in the France Rugby World Cup 2023 warm-up series.

The first-half dominance, particularly with standout performances from Kilcoyne, Doris, and McCloskey. Set the tone for their success, while Italy's second-half tries demonstrated their resilience in trying to narrow the gap.

During the match, there was a concerning moment for Ireland and their coach Andy Farrell, as their number eight. Jack Conan had to leave the field due to a foot injury around the 35-minute mark. Post-game, Conan was spotted wearing a protective boot on his foot. And Farrell mentioned that a thorough assessment would be necessary to determine the extent of the injury.

Iain Henderson wears the Ireland armband in Rugby World Cup match

As Ireland's head coach Farrell evaluates his 42-player squad, which he plans to trim down to 33 for the upcoming September tournament, a trio of players earned their debuts from the bench: Ulster's hooker Tom Stewart, Leinster's Ciaran Frawley, and Munster's Calvin Nash.

Notably, Ulster's captain, Iain Henderson took on the responsibility of wearing the Ireland RWC 2023 armband for the second occasion in his career. He delivered a robust performance before exiting the field in the 56th minute. Jacob Stockdale, his club teammate, marked his return to the field after a two-year hiatus, displaying moments of brilliance in the first half.

Particularly noteworthy was his impressive aerial catch, which nearly resulted in a try. However, he might reflect on a decision in the latter part of the match. When he opted to go for the try himself instead of releasing the ball wide to Stewart, a choice that resulted in him being tackled. Rugby World Cup fans can buy Ireland Rugby World Cup Tickets from our website. 

Caelan Doris, donning the number seven jersey, delivered an exceptional performance. That earned him the man-of-the-match accolade. Joe McCarthy made a strong impression in the second row. While Jack Crowley's display at fly-half left no doubt about his potential to step in if Jonny Sexton is unavailable.

Ireland's start was a bit sluggish taking some time to find their rhythm. In the early stages, they appeared oddly subdued and slightly lacking coordination. The visiting team's full-back, Tommaso Allan, secured Italy's first point with a penalty just two minutes into the match.

In the beginning, the hosts found themselves in a promising position

In the early stages of the game, the hosts found themselves in a promising position to score a try during the fifth minute. Stand-in captain Iain Henderson executed an impressive break, advancing towards the try line. However, a mishandling of the ball just a few yards from the goal line resulted in him losing possession due to defensive pressure.

As the match progressed, Farrell's team gradually settled into their rhythm. Their first try came in the 13th minute, initiated by Dave Kilcoyne, who powered his way over the try line with support from Jack Conan and Caelan Doris. This try followed a tap-and-go penalty manoeuvre. Adding to the successful move, Jonny Sexton's replacement, Jack Crowley, successfully converted the try.

The original text describes a missed opportunity for a try by the home team early in the match. Highlighting a handling error by Iain Henderson. It then explains how the team recovered and scored their first try through Kilcoyne. Aided by Conan and Doris after a tap-and-go penalty with Crowley converting the try.

The rewrite maintains the sequence of events while providing a clearer and more concise description. Ireland RWC took firm control of the game before securing their second try just before the half-hour mark. Additionally, they gained a numerical advantage. When Italy's prop Toa Halafihi received a yellow card for dangerous play.

The second try mirrored Ireland's effective line-out maul strategy. Captain Iain Henderson executed a clean collection from the throw-in. Enabling Caelan Doris to push over from a short distance marked his fourth international try. Rugby World Cup fans can buy Tonga Rugby World Cup Tickets from our website. 

The second half of the visitor's Rugby world cup warm-up

Doris played a pivotal role in setting up the third try. His precise tackle and forceful ruck pressure created an opportunity for Ulster's centre. McCloskey to capitalize and seize an opportunistic try. Jack Crowley maintained his perfect conversion record adding the extra points.

This concluded a half that commenced positively for the visitors. However, they found limited opportunities to implement their preferred high-tempo possession style of RWC, which they are known for. The game's flow became somewhat erratic as both teams introduced changes in the second half. With Frawley replacing Jimmy O'Brien during the halftime interval.

Italy managed to secure a well-deserved try 11 minutes into the second half. A powerful line-out maul laid the groundwork for an impressive sweeping movement from the left to the right. The ball eventually found its way wide to Pani, who expertly evaded Stockdale's challenge to score.

Tom Stewart made his debut as a substitute in the 52nd minute, followed by Nash entering the field 10 minutes later. Just before that, Healy also a substitute marked his 124th appearance for Ireland Rugby World Cup with his 12th try. However, Crowley's conversion attempt went wide.

Italy continued to fight and secured their second try when Keith Earls. In his 99th Irish cap, couldn't prevent Menoncello from grounding the ball. Nevertheless, Doris contributed to Ireland's fifth try from close range, sealing the victory seven minutes before the final whistle. For more to know about RWC 2023:  New captain Jac Morgan named Wales players of the year.

Ireland RWC 2023 is preparing to journey to Portugal as part of their ongoing training camp. Followed by a home fixture in Dublin against England for their second World Cup warm-up match in two weeks.

Starting Lineups of Both teams

The revised sentence maintains the original meaning while offering a clearer and more concise representation of Ireland's Rugby World Cup upcoming schedule. It highlights their travel plans to Portugal for training and emphasizes. The subsequent home game against England, all within a two-week timeframe.

Starting Lineups:

Ireland: O'Brien (Fullback); Earls, Henshaw, McCloskey, Stockdale (Wingers); Henderson (Captain), McCarthy (Locks); Baird, Doris, Conan (Back Row); Crowley, Casey (Halfbacks); Kilcoyne, Herring, O'Toole (Front Row).

Replacements: Stewart, Healy, Blade, Frawley, Nash, Furlong, Beirne, Prendergast.

Italy: Allan (Fullback); Odogwu, Brez, Menoncello, Ioane (Wingers); Garbisi, Lamb, Ruzza (Captain) (Locks); Varney (Halfbacks); Fischetti, Nicotera, Riccioni (Front Row). Negri, Zuliani, Halafihi (Back Row).

Replacements:  Cannone, Ferrari, Fusco, Pani, Bigi, Buonfiglio, Cannone, Lamaro.

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