Arizona Tribune - New-look Ireland too strong for Italy in Rugby World Cup warm-up

Jack Crowley impressed in the absence of suspended Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, with the starting XV showing just three survivors from the team that clinched a Six Nations Grand Slam against England in March.

But Ireland, top of the world rankings, still ran in three tries before the break to lead 21-3 at half-time.

With star fly-half Sexton banned for all three of Ireland's warm-up games, Crowley started at stand-off and was partnered by Munster colleague Craig Casey in a team led by lock Iain Henderson.

Ulster wing Jacob Stockdale made his first Test appearance in over three years after slipping down the pecking order following injury.

Tommaso Allan's early penalty gave Italy, beaten 25-13 by Scotland in a warm-up match last week, the lead before Ireland prop Dave Kilcoyne forced his way over for the first try of the game.

Doris and Stuart McCloskey also crossed Italy's line, Crowley converting all three tries.

Italy's task was made harder when Danilo Fischetti was sin-binned shortly before back-row Doris scored.

Ireland, who lost Jack Conan to an apparent injury in the first half, withdrew full-back Jimmy O'Brien at the interval before scrum-half Casey also left the field for treatment.

The Irish are one of the leading contenders to win the World Cup even though they will arrive in France having never gone beyond the quarter-finals.

And a much-improved Italy reduced Ireland's lead to 21-10 early in the second half after replacement Lorenzo Pani scored a try converted by Allan.

Cian Healy scored Ireland's fourth try from a driving maul, with Crowley missing his first conversion of the match.

Tommaso Menoncello then crashed over for a converted try that just about kept Italy in the game at 26-17 down.

But Doris's second try, seven minutes from time, put the result beyond doubt and an injured Menoncello then left the field in tears, clearly fearing for his World Cup hopes.

E.Flores--AT