Hickie bonanza as Ireland romp home

Ireland 61 Italy 6

Ireland 61 Italy 6

Winger Denis Hickie scored four of Ireland's eight tries in an emphatic 61-6 victoryover Italy in a World Cup warm-up match at Thomond Park this afternoon.

Two of Hickie's scores came in a four-try burst either sideof halftime which put Ireland firmly in control, with his fellowwinger John Kelly and hooker Shane Byrne also crossing theItalian line.

Fullback Girvan Dempsey and flyhalf David Humphreys alsoscored tries as the Irish ran rampant late on, while Humphreysconverted all but two of the tries after giving his side anearly lead with three penalties.

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Until a late two-try flurry, the first half had been a closeaffair with fullback Geert Peens kicking two penalties to keepItaly in sight at 9-6.