Gutsy Italy give Irish a Grand Slam scare

By BEN JAYCOCK

Italy……………………………….20pts

Tries: Varney 7, Bruno 41

Conversions: Garbisi 8, 42

Penalties: Garbisi 19, 56

Ireland…………………………. 34pts

Tries: Ryan 3, Keenan 13, Aki 20, Hansen 35, 71

Conversions: Byrne 14, 22, 72

Penalties: Byrne 65

Ireland's Grand Slam aspirations are still alive but Andy Farrell's side survived an almighty scare at the Stadio Olimpico as Italy were close to pulling off one of the biggest upsets in Six Nations history.

Italy's effort and endeavour can never be be questioned, even during their 36-match losing run in the Six Nations, but the skill, execution and flair shown by Kieran Crowley's men against the number one side in the world will be a warning to Wales who are next up in Rome.

The cliché ‘great sides find a way to win' was appropriate for Ireland in Rome as even without key players Jamison Gibson-Park, Garry Ringrose and captain Johnny Sexton, they staggered their way to a ninth consecutive victory.

Ireland centre Bundee Aki said: “It was a mixed bag. We did some really good stuff and also did the total opposite. That is just a credit to Italy, we knew it was going to be a tough game. They are a proud nation.

“Italy have always been a good team and played with a lot of passion. You can see the way they want to play the game with expansive rugby, running it from their own try line. We just fell off a bit. Our overall performance needs to be better and our discipline needs to be better. I was one of them whose discipline wasn't good enough.”

World Rugby player of the year Josh van der Flier made an emphatic break through the middle and looked to have assisted a try for winger James Lowe, but a heroic defensive effort by tyro superstar Ange Capuozzo forced a knock on over the line. Ireland's fast start paid off as Aki broke through two defenders and fed Lowe who sent his stand in skipper James Ryan over for a try.

It was a nightmare start for Kieran Crowley's side but this Italian outfit don't lie down and they hit back with Gloucester scrumhalf Stephen Varney crossing following relentless quick ball as Italy's backs and forwards showcased their attacking flair by going coast to coast.

Fly-half Ross Bryne, in talisman Sexton's absence, impressed throughout and took the ball flat to the line which allowed Aki to punch through the defence.

With Hugo Keenan on his shoulder, the British and Irish Lions centre offloaded to his 15 who managed to shake off several attempted tacklers to go under the sticks.

The compelling contest continued as Capuozzo refused to clear his lines and made a brilliant run over halfway. His bravery was rewarded as Mack Hansen pulled back Tommaso Menoncello off the ball and deadeye kicker Paolo Garbisi turned the cynical offence into three points.

Aki then crossed for his tenth Ireland try as Garbisi went from hero to zero as, under relentless line speed, Lowe intercepted his pass and fed the Connacht powerhouse.

Ireland wrestled back control and scored their bonus point try through a close-range score by Hansen but the home side wouldn't go away as it was their turn to pick pocket.

Star man: Mack Hansen steps his way through to score his second try

PICTURES: Getty Images

Aki's Jekyll and Hyde performance continued as his careless offload was snatched up by Pierre Bruno and the winger raced from well inside his own half to cross untouched on the stroke of half-time that made the contest a seven-point game.

Ireland enjoyed plenty of possession at the start of the second half and were camped on Italy's line but due to the home side's gutsy endeavour they couldn't find a way through a watertight defence, with London Irish prop Danilo Fischetti in particular putting in a sensational defensive shift.

Andrew Porter's foolish hit on Ignacio Brex off the ball saw Italy's resillience rewarded as Garbisi dispatched the penalty to bring his side within four.

Aki looked to have crossed for his brace following a strong Caelan Doris carry but the TMO spotted that he had fumbled the ball forward on the greasy surface.

Replacement Ryan Baird performed a textbook jackal and Ireland, respecting their opponents' capabilities in a tight mustwin contest, opted for the three points that Byrne dispatched.

Italy went down the other end and were rampant in attack and Brex's cross field kick narrowly missed his target Pierre Bruno out wide. In the closing stages, Hansen stepped his way to the line to secure the win as he profited from a neat offload by substitute Conor Murray.