The Italians, who had controlled the second half, looked on course to register a famous victory when winger Matteo Pratichetti touched down in the 84th minute.

But OGara, who had fired a 79th-minute drop goal to nudge Ireland 16-13 ahead before a frantic period of stoppage-time, was awarded the decisive try even though he did not appear to ground the ball properly.

Television match official Derek Bevan consulted replays for several minutes before awarding the dubious score, with several Italy players were furious with the decision.

Ulster centre Andrew Trimble crossed in the first half, capping a promising opening, while the boot of OGara completed the Irish score.

Italys veteran scrum-half Alessandro Troncon - who at the final whistle had to be restrained by team-mates as he sought to confront referee Nigel Owens - ensured the try count finished level with an opportunist effort, while David Bortolussis kicking did the rest.

Ireland suffered no more injuries to add to a growing casualty list that includes Brian ODriscoll, Shane Horgan, David Wallace and Stephen Ferris, but there was precious little else to take from the evening.

Italy named an experimental side including a few star names such as Alessandro Troncon and skipper Marco Bortolami, but they still won the forward collisions while their defence frustrated Ireland all night.

Ireland coach Eddie OSullivan was hoping for a morale-boosting display from his sides last match before they depart for the World Cup on September 5 but instead saw a disjointed performance lacking in imagination.

Peter Stringer recovered from a back spasm and started alongside OGara for the 50th time - the second longest-serving half-back combination behind Australias George Gregan and Steven Larkham.

In another milestone, OGara became Irelands most capped fly-half with his 73rd international appearance, eclipsing the mark set by Ulsterman David Humphreys.