Ireland’s Dan Sheehan is tackled by Italy’s Stephen Varney just before the try line. [Inpho/Ben Brady]
Ireland 36; Italy 0
Ireland won six tries and had two more canceled, on a day when Italy were unable to play despite their efforts against England in Rome last week.
This time against Dublin, Ireland had little to break through and did little to trouble Ireland after the initial upset was contained before the home side stepped up a gear.
With six changes made from their last away win against France, the big question was whether Ireland could play at full strength while causing so much havoc in the pack and defensive line. .
Answers were slow to come, but once Jack Crowley got over the first try there was little to stem the Blues’ flow.
It was the Irish’s 10th consecutive Six Nations win and gave head coach Andy Farrell the chance to give a run-out to members of the team who had not previously started.
After that, the Azzurri put up little resistance and actually only managed to visit Ireland 22 twice.
Dan Sheehan scored a try in the first half, followed by another in the second half and Jack Conan gave Ireland a 19-0 lead at half-time.
James Rowe, Calvin Nash and Sheehan completed the route, with Robbie Henshaw and sub Jamison Gibson-Park appearing to be added to the record before their efforts were refuted by video evidence.
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They next face Wales at the Aviva Stadium the following weekend, but Wales are currently in a wooden spoon position with their new team having failed to beat both Scotland and England in close games.
Farrell expressed satisfaction with the victory, but also pointed out mistakes that need to be reflected on.
“That’s pleasing. Italy are a lot more pragmatic than before and sometimes it’s difficult to get the ball back when you’re not playing rugby in your own half, so we had to find another way.” I did that sometimes too.
“We were a little patchy at times, a little awkward at times. When I say awkward, I mean they were always kicking the ball coming out of their own half, so it was difficult to win the ball back. I’m saying that.
“But about midway through the second half, when we made the changes, I thought we got a little too desperate trying to chase the game instead of working hard and getting things done like we’ve been doing. .
“But we’ve calmed down in that regard, so I think everyone in the dressing room will be satisfied.”
Regarding set-pieces, he said: “Our scrum and lineout were great. We want to win every game so we’re not afraid of that. But the tournament gets even harder from here and it’s only just started, but we’re in a good position. is.”
Ireland: H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, S McCloskey, J Rowe. J. Crowley, C. Casey. A. Porter, D. Sheehan, F. Bellum. J. McCarthy, J. Ryan. R. Baird, C. Doris (captain), J. Connan Substitutes: R. Kelleher, J. Rahman, T. O’Toole, I. Henderson, J. van der Flier, J. Gibson-Park, H. Byrne , J. Larmore.