Ireland labour to nervy victory over Italy

Guinness Six Nations

Ireland 20-13 Italy 

Ireland survived a significant scare at the Aviva Stadium, relying on a star-studded bench and a late spark from Jack Crowley to overcome a memorable Italian challenge.

On a day where Hollie Davidson made history as the first woman to referee a Guinness Men’s Six Nations match, the headlines were nearly snatched by an Italian side that dominated the scrum and led at half-time in Dublin for the first time ever.

Following their opening-round defeat in Paris, Andy Farrell had demanded “intent” from his side. Instead, the home crowd witnessed a disjointed first half. While fullback Jamie Osborne provided an early breakthrough – finishing a vintage sequence of Irish phase play after an offload from centre Stuart McCloskey – the conversion was missed by Sam Prendergast, setting the tone for a difficult afternoon for the young fly-half.

Italy, brimming with confidence, refused to be cowed. Their scrum, led by last week’s Guinness Player of the Match, Simone Ferrari, was a revelation, repeatedly dismantling the Irish front row. When Ireland scrum-half Craig Casey was sent to the bunker for a high challenge on Lorenzo Cannone, the Azzurri pounced. From the resulting maul, hooker Giacomo Nicotera powered over, and Paolo Garbisi’s conversion handed Italy a deserved five-point lead at the interval.

The second half began with Farrell turning to his reinforcements, most notably legendary tighthead Tadhg Furlong and eventually number ten Jack Crowley. Though back rower Jack Conan managed to burrow over from a trick lineout play to level the scores at 10-10, the game remained on a knife-edge. Italy thought they had retaken the lead when wing Louis Lynagh finished a sensational break from midfield sensation Tommaso Menoncello, only for the TMO to rule the try out for a forward pass.

The momentum finally shifted in the 60th minute. Crowley, replacing Prendergast to a ear-splitting ovation from the crowd, immediately injected pace into the backline. Robert Baloucoune, marking his international return, showcased explosive power and a brilliant sidestep to burst through for Ireland’s third try, converted by Crowley.

Despite the Irish surge, Italy’s scrum dominance remained a factor. Substitute prop Mirco Spagnolo earned an astonishing scrum penalty that allowed Garbisi to bring the visitors back within a converted try. Italy threw everything at the hosts in the closing minutes, but a massive tackle from Garry Ringrose halted a late surge.

In the final act, with Italy on the attack deep in Irish territory, Monty Ioane’s speculative pass was intercepted by James Lowe, who raced downfield where Ireland were able to kill the clock and secure a hard-fought victory. While the hosts avoid a catastrophic result ahead of their clash with England, Farrell will be left with plenty of questions regarding his side’s set-piece and starting fly-half selection.

Ireland: Jamie Osborne; Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Cormac Izuchukwu, Caelan Doris (capt), Jack Conan.

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Tadhg Furlong, Edwin Edogbo, Tadhg Beirne, Nick Timoney, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jack Crowley.

Italy: Lorenzo Pani; Louis Lynagh, Leonardo Marin, Tommaso Menoncello, Monty Ioane; Paolo Garbisi, Alessandro Fusco; Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Simone Ferrari; Niccolo Cannone, Andrea Zambonin; Michele Lamaro (capt), Manuel Zuliani, Lorenzo Cannone.

Replacements: Tommaso di Bartolomeo, Mirco Spagnolo, Muhamed Hasa, Federico Ruzza, Riccardo Favretto, David Odiase, Alessandro ‌Garbisi, Paolo Odogwu.

Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)