IRELAND 29
Replica fendi wholesale ITALY 11
IRELAND kicked off their hunt for a second Grand Slam in a row with an easy victory over Italy.
First-half tries from Jamie Heaslip and Toms O'Leary, and 16 points from the boot of Ronan O'Gara, ensured a slick win over the whipping boys of the tournament.
Fears about the strength of Ireland's scrum were dispelled, but Declan Kidney will need a lot more from his men if they are to follow this good result with another in Paris next Saturday.
Italy were expected to give a tough, physical battle - but with a scrum that was more bark than bite and a shocking lineout, it was an easier day at the office than predicted.
Victory was predicted here, and because of that there wasn't too much hair pulled when Kidney named a lineup vastly different to that which featured regularly in the Grand Slam last year.
There was no place for the injured foursome of Luke Fitzgerald, Marcus Horan, Donncha O'Callaghan and Stephen Ferris. There were Six Nations debuts for Cian Healy and surprise pick Kevin McLaughlin, while Leo Cullen started his first Six Nations game since 2003 - and looked like he'd never been away.
Andrew Trimble was rewarded for his outstanding club form, jumping ahead of Keith Earls on the left wing.
Jonathan Sexton's injury robbed him of a potential Six Nations bow - but with O'Gara waiting on 499 Championship points before kick- off, it was hardly a cause for concern.
In fact, those stepping in for regular picks will not have had an easier day to impress.
It took just ten minutes for O'Gara to break through the 500- points barrier with an easy penalty, and the first try of the game came five minutes later after he sent Trimble free with a lovely flat pass.
The move broke down short of the line but Ireland recycled well and switched the ball across the width of park. And with men over, Heaslip strolled home to grab his third Six Nations try.
Craig Gower's long-range kick put Italy on the scoreboard but Carlo Del Fava gave away a soft penalty seconds later and O'Gara slotted home to return the lead to 10.
Gonzalo Garcia was yellowcarded for what referee Roman Poite deemed a spear tackle on Brian O'Driscoll, and O'Gara punished the tackle with another cool penalty.
Ireland were well on top at the set-piece and stole possession from the Italian lineout to set up the second try.
O'Leary motioned as if he was passing to Healy and the dummy worked as he ducked home under the attentions of Tito Tebaldi.
O'Gara's conversion put Ireland 20 points clear with the break approaching - but the lead was cut after Rob Kearney's clearance brochure printing was blocked by Kaine Robertson, who gathered and touched down to give the scoreboard an undeserved appearance.
Mirco Bergamasco and O'Gara swapped penalties after the restart, but that would be the only action for a while as the game ran out of momentum.
Ireland coach Kidney turned his thoughts to Paris as the clock ticked down - giving much-needed game time to Rory Best, and replacing the injured Paul O'Connell and O'Gara.
The outhalf was holding his right leg, and with a concern over Sexton's fitness it will be
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