The XV of Clover already had the point of the offensive bonus in their pocket at the break thanks to four school tries.

But he had to wait for the fifth, second staff of winger Mack Hansen ten minutes from the end, to knock out the Azzurri who remained in the game with a try just before the break from Pierre Bruno (24-17 at halftime). time).

With three bonus wins in as many matches, Ireland continues to head towards a possible first Grand Slam since 2018. However, it still has to validate this nice start to the tournament in Scotland, the only other undefeated team before its match against France on Sunday, before hosting England on the final day.

With a largely reworked team (six changes) compared to the XV winner of the Blues (32-19), in the absence in particular of the opener Johnny Sexton and the center Garry Ringrose, both injured, Ireland quickly took the control of operations with rapid transitions and its physical impact.

Second row James Ryan (3rd), full-back Hugo Keenan (13th), center Bundee Aki (20th), one of the new starters of the day in this revamped Irish XV, and Hansen (35th) quickly secured the bonus offensive.

Ireland player James Ryan scores a try during the Six Nations Rugby Tournament match against Italy at the Olympico Stadium in Rome on February 25, 2023. © Vincenzo PINTO / AFP

But the Irish have also discovered the new Italian enthusiasm, born of last year's victories against Wales and Australia.

Without complexes, the Azzurri gained confidence with a quick try from Stephen Varney which allowed them to lead for a few moments (7-5, 7th) then were able to stay in the match thanks to the try from Pierre Bruno, who went solo to maintain the hope of a well-filled Olimpico (51,000 spectators) after an interception.

The "Italia, Italia" even doubled in the second half when Paolo Garbisi, author of ten points for his return after his knee injury, brought the Nazionale to four points on a penalty (20-24, 56th).

Italy team player Paolo Garbisi (left) runs with the ball during the Six Nations Tournament rugby match against Ireland at the Olympico stadium in Rome on February 25, 2023. © Vincenzo PINTO / AFP

But the Irish, who were denied two tries, did not tremble and managed to take shelter thanks to Hansen's second try (71st).

Enough to enforce the hierarchy, without depriving the Italians of a long lap of honor to the applause of their supporters.

© 2023 AFP