Geordan Murphy came out on top in Ireland's final warm-up game before the Rugby World Cup with a 23-20 win over Italy on Friday evening.

But the Irish left it late, with a last-minute try from fly-half Ronan O'Gara, who also kicked a total of 13 points.

Named on the right wing, Murphy completed the full 80 minutes, while Leicester Tigers colleague Martin Castrogiovanni played the first hour for Italy before being replaced.

Italy went close to victory with a late score of their own from Matteo Pratichetti, despite claims that Murphy had been impeded in the build-up, before the video referee confirmed O'Gara's clinching try. Andrew Trimble, on his home ground, grabbed Ireland's other try on the night, while veteran scrum-half Alessandro Troncon also touched down for Italy.

Alesana Tuilagi was also in international action on Friday evening, scoring two tries and creating another for Semo Sititi as Samoa won 26-7 at Sale Sharks.