Ireland stay on course for title with thrashing of Italy

IRELAND breezed past callow Italy 50-17 to tee up a tilt at a fourth Six Nations crown in seven years.

Hugo Keenan bagged a debut brace, with fellow newcomer Will Connors also on the scoresheet.

CJ Stander, Johnny Sexton, Bundee Aki and Dave Heffernan all crossed too, with Edoardo Padovani and Paolo Garbisi finishing for the Italians.

Garry Ringrose suffered a head injury scare in one of the few blows to Ireland’s straightforward afternoon at an Aviva Stadium empty of fans due to coronavirus restrictions. Ireland’s facile win leaves Andy Farrell’s side requiring another bonus-point victory against France in Paris next weekend to seal yet another Six Nations crown.

Ireland claimed Six Nations glory in 2014, 2015 and 2018 under Joe Schmidt, with the final tournament win comprising just their third ever Grand Slam. But now new boss Farrell has the chance to steer Ireland to another Six Nations triumph at his first crack.

Putting four tries past France in Paris will prove an altogether different challenge from vanquishing the also-rans of Italy, however.

The Azzurri’s record Six Nations losing streak was extended to 26 with precious little issue, and with Ireland hardly having to hit full stride.

Ireland centre Garry Ringrose is likely to miss the rest of Ireland’s autumn fixtures after breaking his jaw in the win over Italy.

The Leinsterman will miss four to six weeks after colliding with Edoardo Padovani’s knee as he tried to block the Italian wing’s clearing kick midway through the first half in Dublin. The 25-year-old had enjoyed a lively start to the game, impressing during a 10minute stint at scrum-half while Conor Murray was in the sin-bin.

“We’re gutted for him, he’s contributed so much over the last 10 days,” said head coach Andy Farrell. “He’s been fantastic in his leadership and he was a big part of the reason why we got what we wanted out of today.”