Both are now in some doubt for next weeks second round of RBS 6 Nations games, when the Irish face Scotland.

Coach OSullivan said on BBC2: Both of the them have the same injury - both have picked up hamstrings.

Gordon when he was running in full flight and Brian in a ruck when he got hit from behind.

Gordon isnt good and I think will be under pressure for next weekend. Brian, I dont know yet. It doesnt look great to be honest.

He was tired as well so its hard to know how much damage there is, but the doctor and the physio are looking at it at the moment.

Ireland, many peoples favourites for the RBS 6 Nations crown, were made to struggle in Rome by an Italy side who led 9-8 early in the second half.

It was a hell of a tough game, added OSullivan. We struggled in the first half because we hadnt the football.

I think we had our first attack in the Italian half after 22 minutes. We had a good return, with three first-half possessions in their half and we scored twice.

The second half was about spending more time in their half.

OSullivan was determined that the home side should take credit for their performance.

Italy played really well, he added. They handled the ball well in terms of kicking it, if thats not an oxymoron.

We struggled with the ball and couldnt put accuracy and length on it. It hurt us in the first half when we needed to get out of trouble, but weve stuck to our task in the second half and brought them down.

We said before the game that it might take until 10 minutes from the end for this game to be won, and thats how it turned out.

So no real surprises there, but a tough week ahead of us now with Scotland.