The introduction of the usual plethora of substitutes injected little urgency, although replacement fly-half Paddy Wallace produced a delightful break and then slotted a penalty with 13 minutes left.
BBC: Ireland 29-11 Italy
2.
Wasps Jeremy Staunton is picked at fly-half with Ulster's Paddy Wallace having to be content with a place on the bench for the game in Limoges.
BBC: Neil Best played for Ireland in the autumn internationals
3.
Ulster fly-half David Humphreys, who kicked 17 points, singled out Ballymena young star Paddy Wallace for special praise.
BBC: Paddy Wallace scored Ulster's crucial second half try