Rugby union · International
Henderson hat-trick leads Ireland to a 41–22 opening win in Rome
Rob Henderson scored three tries and Ronan O’Gara contributed 21 points as Ireland defeated Italy at the Stadio Flaminio on 3 February 2001.
2001-02-03 · Stadio Flaminio, Rome, Italy
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Confirmed development
Ireland began its 2001 Six Nations campaign with a 41–22 victory over Italy at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome on 3 February. Rob Henderson supplied a hat-trick of tries, while Shane Horgan and Ronan O’Gara also crossed for the visitors. Ireland’s five tries gave the team a winning start away from home in the championship’s second season with six participating countries.
Details
O’Gara finished with 21 points, combining his try with two conversions and four penalties. Henderson’s three tries accounted for another 15 points. Italy crossed three times through Corrado Pilat, Carlo Checchinato and Mauro Bergamasco, but its attacking return was insufficient to match Ireland’s five-try total. The final margin was 19 points.
Context
The Irish federation identifies the result as Ireland’s first win on Italian soil and its first victory in a Five or Six Nations opening fixture since 1988. Ireland followed it with a 22–15 home win against France on 17 February. Italy’s next championship match was the same day, away to England at Twickenham.
Period by period
| Points | Italy | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Final | 22 | 41 |
Sources
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