DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland eased into the defence of their Six Nations title on Saturday, breezing past Italy with a 29-11 victory in Croke Park that extended their unbeaten run to 12 test matches.
Ireland were almost out of sight by half time with tries from scrumhalf Tomas O'Leary and number eight Jamie Heaslip which together with a flawless half of kicking from returning flyhalf Ronan O'Gara gave them a 15-point advantage.
Italy pegged back the lead thanks to a charged-down Kaine Robertson try just before the break and kept the hosts at bay for much of a dull second period.
Ireland, who last year won their first Grand Slam since 1948, face far tougher tests before the end of February with away games in France and England.
(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Alison Wildey)
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