Considine double in vain as Italy earn maiden win

EIMEAR Considine scored twice but Ireland fell to their first ever women’s Six Nations defeat to Italy, with a converted Giada Franco try in the 50th minute proving decisive.

Adam Griggs’ Ireland side took two bonus points from the game, but they lost for the second time in the competition.

The sides were level at 22-22 after an enthralling first half in Parma. Italy had conceded only once in the Six Nations this year but Ireland scored three tries before the break, with Considine (2) and Anna Caplice on target.

However, the home side were still right in the game, after early Aura Muzzo and Giada Franco efforts, and Sofia Stefan’s leveller.

Franco scored again on the resumption but that was cancelled out by Laura Sheehan.

Nicole Fowley’s missed conversion was the difference.

Ireland found themselves 17-5 down after just 16 minutes, but Considine’s two tries ensured they did not fall far adrift and Caplice helped the visitors take the lead before being pegged back level after a breathless first-half.

Though tournament debutant Sheehan brought up a bonus point for Ireland with the game’s eighth try, the visitors were unable to keep control of the contest and find a winning score, so it was Franco’s second try and the conversion from Sillari which decided the outcome.

Star player

Eimear Considine - Ireland