Jack Crowley, Dan Sheehan (2), Jack Conan, James Rowe and Calvin Nash scored tries as Ireland dominated the second round of the Six Nations v Italy in Dublin. Crowley added two conversions as Italy were held scoreless.Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan limps off injured in the second half
Written by Michael Cantillon
Last updated: 11/02/24 19:33
Ireland continued their excellent run in the Six Nations with a 36-0 victory over Italy in a thoroughly dominant battle at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Trys from out-half Jack Crowley, hooker Dan Sheehan (two), number eight Jack Connan and wingers James Rowe and Calvin Nash propelled Ireland to the top of the table after two rounds. Ta. You have earned the maximum number of competitive points that will give you two bonuses. – Points win.
Italy were completely outclassed after losing 27-24 to England in Rome last week, struggling for possession and territory, with center Tommaso Menoncello sin-binned for a trip by Lowe in the second half.
Ireland – Tries: Crowley (7), Sheehan (24, 50), Connan (37), Rowe (62), Nash (78). Weaknesses: Crowley (25, 39), H. Byrne (79).
Italy – Not applicable
Crawley, whose approach work and attacking touch were almost sublime at times, added two conversions on shot to seal the win, but head coach Andy Farrell’s only worry is that full-back Hugo Keenan’s late-footed was injured.
After Italy’s Paolo Garbisi missed the first penalty, Ireland stepped up a gear and scored the first try in just seven minutes, with Keenan and Robbie Henshaw scoring an inspired break before a fast ball through the phase In the end, scrumhalf Craig Casey will play for state colleague Crawley, in what will be the latter’s first attempt at a senior career for club or country.
After a period of time in which Italy failed to capitalize on a number of chances, Lockjaw McCarthy led the defence, and Ireland scored a superb second try in the 24th minute.
Taking advantage of a penalty advantage from a scrum inside Italy’s half, Crowley first played a no-look pass to send a sprinting Keenan onto the ball before Nash finished well to make it 22 points. From there, Crowley produced a great round. Easing the burden on his players, Henshaw charged and fed the ball through Stuart McCloskey to a waiting Sheehan, who cut into the infield and finished.
Crawley missed the first conversion nicely, but Ireland forced a third try before the break after Casey’s vital cover tackle denied Ange Capozzo’s devastating line break. A lineout attack that Conan forcibly broke through from close range.
Crawley converted for a 19-0 lead at half-time, and Ireland’s fourth try, which sealed Ireland’s bonus point, came 10 minutes into the second period. A scrum penalty (again) was set and Sheehan finished an unstoppable maul drive.
Less than five minutes later, Henshaw appeared to have scored Ireland’s fifth goal with a grounder, but the score was ruled out for two moves by TMO, the attack that had just occurred when Keenan was injured. .
A clear trip from Menoncello after being stepped by Lowe eventually put pressure on Italy. Then, a few minutes after the hour mark, Lowe produced an outstanding finish for Ireland’s fifth try. He stepped on the gas and sprinted down the field to make contact. , get within range and reach for the score.
Ireland played almost exclusively in the Italian half for the rest of the game, but despite the knock-ons and penalties, Nash produced another brilliant move involving the sparkling hands of Crawley, McCloskey and Jamison Gibson-Park. He made the decision, accelerated forward, and the two of them overpowered. Play time is a few minutes.
Ireland had one last chance to break the 40-point mark, but Gibson-Park knocked on to score at the tryline, giving Ireland their first chance in Six Nations history and the first time against another member nation. The Azzurri were given a “zero” rating. First championship since 1987.
Farrell: “I don’t know about Keenan.” “I’m satisfied with the result, but things will get tougher from here.”
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said this in the post-match press conference.
“Hugo-san’s [Keenan] I don’t know because I hit my knee hard,” Farrell said.
“He looks fine, but when you saw him, he was limping. So, we’ll be back tomorrow (Monday) morning, whether we need someone to look at him or not. Let’s see how he appears.
“I don’t know at this stage.
“Obviously we are happy to get the highest score at 2-2 and 36-0 is a great scoreline for us.
“I thought I was able to put in a performance that I thought was dangerous at times, the set pieces were great, and I thought we were top draws. “Then I was able to overcome that kind of pressure and score some great tries, which helped me get through the game. I was very happy with the “line”.
“2 to 2. It’s a decent start. It’s going to get even tougher from here.”
What’s next?
Ireland next play Wales in the third round of the Championship on Saturday 24th February at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (kick-off 2.15pm GMT).
Ireland Six Nations 2024 dates
Friday, February 2nd | France 17 – 38 Ireland | 8pm |
February 11th (Sun) | Ireland 36-0 Italy | 3 pm |
Saturday, February 24th | ireland vs wales | 2:15pm |
Saturday, March 9th | england vs ireland | 4:45pm |
Saturday, March 16th | Ireland vs Scotland | 4:45pm |
Italy will next travel to face France at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille on Sunday 25th February (kick-off 3pm CET).
Italy Six Nations 2024 dates
Saturday, February 3rd | Italy 24 – 27 England | 2:15pm |
February 11th (Sun) | Ireland 36-0 Italy | 3 pm |
Sunday, February 25th | France vs Italy | 3 pm |
Saturday, March 9th | Italy vs Scotland | 2:15pm |
Saturday, March 16th | Italy vs Wales | 2:15pm |
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