RUGBY:UP UNTIL Saturday, Ireland have been hammered for illegalities around the tackle area during this, and last, season's Six Nations. It proved extremely costly against the French and it is generally agreed if Italy had an international goal kicker, and not just the valiant Mauro Bergamasco, they may well have won the opening encounter in Rome.

Ireland conceded 48 penalties (and nine free-kicks) in their five matches leading to 54 of the 81 points scored against them. This includes 15 points for Morgan Parra and three by Dimitri Yachvili (he missed another penalty) in the French match alone. Ireland only conceded nine penalties in that 25-22 defeat but they proved very costly.

Ireland were awarded only 36 penalties (and eight free-kicks) leading to only 24 points in the tournament, 12 of which came from Jonathan Sexton against England last Saturday, ensuring they easily finished bottom of the pile in this category. Italy were handed 71 penalties, followed by 48 for Scotland, 47 for England, 46 for France and 43 for Wales.

There has been plenty of debate about the actions of Irish tacklers over the man in possession but against England the problem appeared to have all but evaporated with just six penalties coughed up (and two free kicks) with the punishment being a measly three points from Toby Flood.

Ireland's Six Nation's penalty count

Italy v Ireland, Rome (11-13)

Penalties conceded: 13 (3 free-kicks) = 6

Penalties awarded: 5 (5 free-kicks) = 3 points

Ireland v France, Dublin (22-25)

Penalties conceded: 9 (0 free-kicks) = 18 points

Penalties awarded: 2 (2 free-kicks) = 3 points

Scotland v Ireland, Edinburgh (18-21)

Penalties conceded: 12 (1 free-kick) = 15 points

Penalties awarded: 4 (0 free-kicks) = 0 points

Wales v Ireland, Cardiff (19-13)

Penalties conceded: 8 (3 free-kicks) = 12 points

Penalties awarded: 10 (1 free-kick) = 6 points

Ireland v England, Dublin (24-8)

Penalties conceded: 6 (2 free-kicks) = 3 points

Penalties awarded: 9 (0 free-kicks) = 12 points