Caelan Doris says Ireland sloppiness was due to forcing issue in title pursuit

Captain Caelan Doris conceded Ireland were guilty of “forcing things” in an attempt to put pressure on their Guinness Six Nations title rivals during an unconvincing 22-17 victory against Italy.

Simon Easterby’s side temporarily moved top of the championship table thanks to a stuttering bonus-point success in Rome before England’s dominant 68-14 victory against Wales ended their pursuit of a third consecutive championship crown.

Ireland, whose Grand Slam dream was crushed by last weekend’s 42-27 Dublin drubbing at home to France, required a resounding win at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico to remain in realistic contention for the ultimate prize.

Ireland take the victory in Rome