Ireland , who won all five matches last year to complete a Grand Slam , led 23-8 at halftime in Dublin but could not run away with victory against a determined visiting team . Ireland open defense of Six Nations rugby title with 29 - 11 victory at home to Italy . Flyhalf Ronan O'Gara becomes first player to score 500 points in the competition . England defeat Wales 24 - 17 at Twickenham as visitors pay for Gareth Wyn - Jones ' sin - binning . Hosts score 17 points while England is off field for leg - tripping Wales 's Chris Hartley .
Ireland open defense of Six Nations rugby title with 29 - 11 victory at home to Italy . Flyhalf Ronan O'Gara becomes first player to score 500 points in the competition . England defeat Wales 24 - 17 at Twickenham as visitors pay for Gareth Wyn - Jones ' sin - binning . Hosts score 17 points while England is off field for leg - tripping Wales 's Chris Hartley .