HUGO’S BOSS IN VICTORY

TRY TIME: Keenan

■

IRELAND responded to their worst start to a Six Nations campaign by running in six tries during a resounding bonus-point win in Rome.

Tries from Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan, CJ Stander and Keith Earls, plus a double for Will Connors, helped put Italy to the sword.

Captain Johnny Sexton, returning from a head injury, added all six conversions and two penalties as Andy Farrell celebrated the first away win as head coach.

It was the perfect tonic after defeats to Wales and France and Farrell said: “I am really pleased and really proud of the lads.

“Over the last couple of weeks, they have stayed strong as a group and they showed true character and that is what we asked of them.

“Our intent was really good and our focus was good, we played some clinical rugby.

“We know the best is still in us. It was a good step forward today and we will try and finish this competition strongly.”

Defeat for Italy was a 30th in succession in the championship, dating back six years to a victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.

Fly-half Paolo Garbisi conjured a moment of magic to set up a consolation try for Johan Meyer late in the first half and kicked a further five points but it was an all-too familiar story for the hosts.

Franco Smith’s men have now shipped 139 points and 19 tries in their three losses to date.

Ireland’s victory could have been by a far greater margin had they not had a trio of tries – by Iain Henderson, Stander and James Lowe – disallowed.