Ireland’s bid for a second successive Grand Slam continued strongly as they defeated Italy by six tries and underlined their status as Six Nations favorites.
After England struggled to beat the Azzurri in Rome in the first round, there were hopes that Gonzalo Quesada’s growing side might pose some doubts for Ireland here in Dublin.
But the visitors were completely outclassed as Andy Farrell’s side, fresh off their impressive victory over France in Marseille, showed England how to get rid of lesser opponents.
It didn’t even have to be the best. Hooker Dan Sheehan scored two tries, Jack Crowley, Jack Connan, man of the match James Rowe and Calvin Nash each scored three tries, with one try each, and the Italians edged Ireland. They barely managed to penetrate 22 meters inside the camp. .
England’s new blitz defenseman attracted a lot of attention in the opening two matches. There is no doubt that his abilities will be tested to the fullest at Twickenham on March 9th.
First England must get past Scotland at Murrayfield. Meanwhile, Ireland will be looking to take on Wales here in Dublin in the coming weeks.
More to come…
Match details
Scoring: 5-0 Crowley try. 10-0 Sheehan tries. 12-0 Crowley Con. 17-0 Conan Try; 19-0 Crowley Con. 24-0 Sheehan tries. 29-0 Low tries. 34-0 Nash tries. 36-0 Burncon
Ireland: H Keenan (H Byrne 56), C Nash, R Henshaw (J Larmore 64), S McCloskey, J Rowe, J Crowley, C Casey (J Gibson Park 73). A. Porter (J. Ruffman 56), D. Sheehan (R. Kelleher 56), F. Bealham (T. O’Toole 56), J. McCarthy, J. Ryan (I. Henderson 61), R. Baird (J. Van der Flier 66), C. Doris, J. Conan
Italy: A. Capozzo, L. Pani (F. Mori 58), JI Brex, T. Menoncello, M. Ioane, P. Garbisi, S. Varney (M. Page Lillo 58). D Fischetti (M Spagnolo 56), G Lucchesi (G Nicotella 56), P Ceccarelli (G Girocchi 40), N Cannone, F Luzza, A Izecole, M Zuliani (R Vincent 70), M Ramaro.
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)