Ireland easily beat Italy 36-0 at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road this afternoon, in the 37th international game between the sides since their first meeting in 1988.
Six tries from Ireland, including two on the day from Dan Sheehan, saw the home side dominate the game, despite the far from perfect performance from Andy Farrell’s men.
FIRST HALF
Three Irish tries in opening half
In an opening half where Ireland dominated possession 59% to 41% and edged territory (51% to 49%), it was Italy that had an early chance to open the scoring. With referee Luke Pearse blowing Ireland in the ruck, the visiting scrum-half Alessandro Garbisi had a chance to give his side the lead, but his five minute penalty attempt went wide of the uprights.
First International try for Crowley
Jack Crowley scored his first international try when touching down on seven minutes. With Ireland effectively and quickly recycling ball in the lead up to the score, the Cork Constitution man was involved three times in the move, before finishing it off and claiming the five-pointer. Unfortunately, the Corkman was unsuccessful with his attempt at converting.
𝗝𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗟𝗘𝗬! ☘️
His first international try!#IREvITA | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/7DcuV8L2I3
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 11, 2024
Two tries in two games for Dan Sheehan
Hooker Dan Sheehan claimed his second try of this season’s Six Nations Championship when scoring in the corner on 25 minutes. The score, Sheehan’s seventh try of his international career to date, doubled the home side’s advantage over Italy, before Jack Crowley successfully added the extras for a 12-0 Ireland lead.
𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐍! ☘️
MAGIC FROM IRELAND! MAGIC FROM JACK CROWLEY!
☘️ 12-0 🇮🇹#IREVITA | #GUINNESSSIXNATIONS PIC.TWITTER.COM/FYVLYQ8L1X
— VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT (@VMSPORTIE) FEBRUARY 11, 2024
Conan touches down for third Ireland
Ireland number 8 Jack Conan brought the Irish try-haul to three, within minutes of the half-time whistle. The Old Belvedere clubman achieved his 10th try in international rugby before Crowley again converted for a 19-0 lead to Ireland at half-time.
𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐍! 💥
SCORES HIS 10TH INTERNATIONAL TRY!
☘️ 19-0 🇮🇹#IREVITA | #GUINNESSSIXNATIONS PIC.TWITTER.COM/8R3TBGJ9WC
— VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT (@VMSPORTIE) FEBRUARY 11, 2024
Half-time: Ireland 19 Italy 0
SECOND HALF
Second try of the day for Sheehan
Dan Sheehan claimed his second try of the game when the Irish pack were merciless as they drove the visits backwards. The powerful Ireland drive saw the hooker touch down at the end of the move, but for the second time in the game. Jack Crowley failed to convert Sheehan’s bonus-point try, leaving Andy Farrell’s team with a 24-0 advantage.
𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍! 🙌
HIS SECOND OF THE GAME, HIS THIRD OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP!
A DARK HORSE FOR TOP TRY SCORER THIS YEAR?
BONUS POINT SECURED!#IREVITA | #GUINNESSSIXNATIONS PIC.TWITTER.COM/UJHVR9NWDX
— VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT (@VMSPORTIE) FEBRUARY 11, 2024
Henshaw effort disallowed
Robbie Henshaw thought he had scored his 11th international try when using all of his frame to stretch for the line. Referee Luke Pearse decided to consult with his TMO, however, to check if there had been a double movement. The decision was that he had been initially held, so the score was disallowed.
Lowe adds to try haul
James Lowe was the next Ireland player to get his name on the scoresheet when the winger fought had to reach for the line, and moved the home side’s score to 29 points on the afternoon. For the third time in the game, kicker Crowley failed to convert.
𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄! ⚡️💥
THAT’S A BRILLIANT BIT OF FINISHING!#IREVITA | #GUINNESSSIXNATIONS PIC.TWITTER.COM/XUZBIBCDST
— VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT (@VMSPORTIE) FEBRUARY 11, 2024
Winger Calvin Nash completed the rout, with his second try in two games, before replacement kicker Harry Byrne added the extras for a 36-0 Irish victory.
𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐕𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐇! 🟢
TWO GAMES! TWO TRIES!
HE IS LOVING LIFE IN THE SIX NATIONS!#IREVITA | #GUINNESSSIXNATIONS PIC.TWITTER.COM/WD4UP4JO5D
— VIRGIN MEDIA SPORT (@VMSPORTIE) FEBRUARY 11, 2024
Final score: Ireland 36 Italy 0
This afternoon’s success was an unprecedented 17th successive home win for Ireland, and a 38th victory in the last 40 games played at home.
