3 Oct 2011

Mallett says Ireland can go all the way

1:43 pm on 3 October 2011

The Italy rugby coach Nick Mallett had no excuses after his team was beaten by Ireland in their final Rugby World Cup pool C match, and backed the Irish to go all the way to the final.

Ireland won the match 36-6 in Dunedin to finish top of the pool and eliminate Italy from the play-offs.

Mallett, who is standing down after four years in charge, is full of praise for the Irish.

Ireland will play Wales in the quarter-finals and either England or France in the semi-finals.