Italy weren't to go down without a fight though and gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Alex Morsellino crossed shortly afterwards to reduce the deficit to seven points.

However Ireland were not to be beaten with lock Henderson and full-back Layden both scoring in the last 12 minutes as they won their third match of this year's RBS 6 Nations to lead the way from England, who have only played two matches.

It was Italy who had the chance to draw first blood after just two minutes at Dubarry Park but Riccardo Della Rossa couldn't convert a penalty from just inside Ireland's half.

However it didn't take long for the visitors to open the scoring with Della Rossa presented with a far easier opportunity from just inside the 22, which he slotted six minutes later.

Jackson returned the favour four minutes later after No.8 Alessio Zdrilich was caught offside and edged Ireland ahead with another kick just after the midway point of the half.

That was aided by prop Antonio Brandolini's yellow card for a professional foul and Ireland - and Jackson in particular - took further advantage with another penalty in the 32nd minute.

Della Rossa couldn't keep up with the Ireland captain and sent an effort short moments later while Jackson missed his first but slotted once more as the half neared an end.

Della Rossa was involved in a clash of heads with centre Chris Farrell after the interval and once play restarted after a lengthy delay Jackson took his tally with the boot to 15 points.

But, despite that it was Italy who scored the first try of the match, Michele Campagnaro break allowing wing Morsellino to cross to make it 15-8 after David Odiete's missed conversion.

However Ireland were not to be beaten and they responded in style with Layden and Aaron Conneely combining for lock Henderson to score in the 68th minute.

Like Odiete, Jackson couldn't convert but he didn't miss second time around ten minutes later after Layden collected a Farrell pass to score and end the game as a contest there.