Image source, Getty Images

Ireland commit a lot of numbers to that attack and are susceptible to some serious danger on the counter. Italian second-rower Josh Furno scampers down the left touchline  and manages to get the ball down - he thinks. But did Peter O'Mahony bundle him into touch first? Let's go to the TMO to find out....

Ireland steal the ball at an Italian line-out - not for the first time. Quick hands along the line give the Irish a sniff out wide left, but they lose possession and Italy burst forward...

Image source, AFP

Oooh and aaahs from the Irish-dominated crowd as Iain Henderson charges down a Tommaso Allan kick inside the Italian 22. The Italy scrum-half scampers back to recover the ball before his skipper Sergio Parisse hacks the ball clear to alleviate the pressure.

Italy go straight on the attack, but hand over possession when Sergio Parisse is penalised for holding on. Italy's bald number eight coughs up the penalty after some intense pressure in the breakdown from Irish second rower Paul O'Connell. 

Image source, Getty Images

Team-talks over, water levels topped up, minor knocks tended to. Half-time is over for both camps. Ireland's Johnny Sexton drop kicks the match back under way. Game on!

Image source, Opta

There's been nothing to separate the teams in terms of possession, and the attacking stats have been pretty close too. 

Ireland have made 176 metres to Italy's 156, 60 carries to their 62 and 56 tackles to their 68.

In contrast to the match between Argentina and Tonga, which saw 63 missed tackles across the 80 minutes, there have been just nine in the first half at the Olympic Stadium.

Any half-time thoughts Ireland fans? Put yourself in Joe Schmidt's shoes for a moment - what would you been saying to your men in that sweaty dressing room? Tweet your 140-word team-talks to #bbcrugby. And that applies to you too Italy fans...

Image source, BBC Sport

Fit-again centre Robbie Henshaw has reminded Ireland exactly what he has to offer during that first half. Henshaw, who missed the opening two World Cup games, starred in both attack and defence during the first half, setting up Keith Earls' try and coming second only to Jack McGrath (8) for tackles made.

David Humphreys
Former Ireland fly-half on Radio Ulster

Image source, Getty Images

"Italy have caused Ireland some problems but Ireland won't be too concerned going in at half-time. This is precisely the kind of test that they need at this stage of the World Cup."

Denis Hickie
Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"Joe Schmidt will be worried about this side's discipline, giving away penalties in their own 22, looking after the ball in contact. But overall, if Ireland can keep this tempo up I'd expect them to be in control of this match after 60 minutes."

Image source, AFP

Italy thought they had made it to the break without further punishment after that scrum infringement. But they almost came a cropper after switching off in the dying moments. The Azzurri lose the line out and, after Ireland quickly move the ball out left, Keith Earls almost dances his way through a gap. However, his offload finds touch and that brings the first half to an end.

Image source, AFP

Italy will be happy to see this through to the break. Scrum time - and you can bet your bottom Euro that the Italians will be looking to force an Irish error here. That is exactly what they do, prop Matias Aguero milking a scrum infringement to give his team some valuable breathing space.

Image source, AFP

Ireland drive forward with the Italian pack looking vulnerable. But they are let off the hook! Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray fumbles the ball and the chance goes down the drain. A mixture of frustration and anger is etched over Murray's face...

Italy are caught offside in their own 22, Ireland kick into touch. Cue huge Irish roar. Rory Best finds his man...Ireland push for the line...

No luck of the Irish so far.