The title may have been out of reach, but Ireland had a point to prove and legends to honor. Thousands of Irish fans traveled to Rome for a St Patrick’s weekend clash, hoping to see their team secure a third consecutive Six Nations crown. After a tough defeat to France, all they could do was claim a bonus-point victory and wait for the final standings. Thanks to a hat-trick from Dan Sheehan, they got the job done.
More than the scoreboard, it was a day of emotion. Cian Healy, Conor Murray, and Peter O’Mahony had announced their international retirements, making this a farewell match of sorts. Healy’s journey had begun in 2009, while O’Mahony received a deafening roar simply by removing his tracksuit to warm up in the second half.
Following the heavy loss to France, some critics suggested this great Irish team was in decline. With an average age of 29.5, the highest in the competition, questions arose about the need for renewal. However, the truth was likely somewhere between extremes.
Ireland made six changes, with Jack Crowley stepping in at fly-half after Sam Prendergast struggled against France. Mack Hansen and James Lowe returned to the wings. Italy, under Gonzalo Quesada, made a bold call by benching captain Michele Lamaro, giving the armband to Juan Ignacio Brex while Tommaso Allan took over at full-back.
A scrappy start was soon forgotten when Italy struck first with a stunning try. Tommaso Menoncello powered through before offloading to Paolo Garbisi, who delivered a perfect grubber kick for Monty Ioane to finish. Allan added the conversion.
Italy’s speed in defense was evident, particularly from Ange Capuozzo, while Allan’s accuracy off the tee promised to be crucial. Menoncello nearly broke through again, only to be stopped by desperate Irish tackling. Ireland’s frustration grew when Finlay Bealham had a try disallowed for a double movement.
Ireland’s previously smooth-running machine was stuttering. However, Crowley provided a moment of clarity, finding Hugo Keenan with a slick offload for a well-worked try. Italy’s troubles worsened with injuries to Dino Lamb, Lorenzo Cannone, and Sebastian Negri, forcing early substitutions.
Allan’s long-range penalty restored Italy’s lead, but their momentum was disrupted when Lamaro was sin-binned for slapping the ball out of Jamison Gibson-Park’s hands. By the time he returned, Sheehan had scored twice, shifting control firmly to Ireland. Italy’s situation deteriorated further when Ross Vintcent was sent off for a high tackle on Keenan.
Just past the 50-minute mark, the stadium erupted as O’Mahony prepared to come on. Ireland’s search for a bonus-point try was momentarily halted when Keenan’s effort was ruled out for a knock-on, but soon after, Gibson-Park’s pinpoint cross-kick found Hansen, who lobbed the ball inside for Sheehan to complete his hat-trick.
Despite their injuries and spending significant time down to 14 men, Italy refused to fade. With their full squad restored, they pushed hard, closing the gap when Stephen Varney chased down Capuozzo’s kick to make it a five-point game.
In the closing moments, Prendergast, having replaced Crowley, booted the ball into touch to seal the win. The championship would be decided elsewhere, but Ireland had done their part. “We’ll celebrate our lads and see what happens,” Sheehan said. And celebrate they did.
