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Ireland avoid upset in Italy to keep Grand Slam hopes alive

Grand Slam-chasing Ireland avoided a major upset to keep themselves on course for Guinness Six Nations glory with a disjointed 34-20 bonus-point win over Italy.

Andy Farrell’s depleted side were well below their fluent best in Rome but ultimately claimed victory thanks to two Mack Hansen tries following scores from James Ryan, Hugo Keenan and Bundee Aki.

Fearless Italy had the Ireland side rattled for large parts of a relentless encounter at Stadio Olimpico.

Stephen Varney’s try, a superb breakaway score from Pierre Bruno and 10 points from Paolo Garbisi kept Kieran Crowley’s hosts in contention and they trailed by just four points with 15 minutes remaining.

Grand Slam still on for Ireland! #GuinnessSixNations #ITAvIRE pic.twitter.com/cAmu0V4po5

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 25, 2023

But Ireland, helped by nine points from Ross Byrne, survived the scare to remain on course for a championship clean sweep moving on to March appointments with title rivals Scotland and England.

In-form Ireland arrived in the Italian capital seeking a third consecutive tournament success but without a host of star names due to injury.

Swathes of green jerseys packed the terraces and witnessed a side steered by rookie half-back pairing Byrne and Craig Casey make a blistering start.

James Lowe, who benefited from a favourable call to claim a try in the 32-19 win over France a fortnight ago, was denied a quick-fire score on this occasion as replays showed he dropped the ball just before grounding with a one-handed finish under pressure from Ange Capuozzo.

Yet Irish disappointment was swiftly tempered by stand-in skipper Ryan capitalising on a Lowe assist following a fine Aki offload to cross inside three minutes.

Italy have

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