Ireland off the mark after dominant bonus-point win against Italy

It was labelled a 'must win' game, and Ireland did so in impressive fashion.

Their 29-8 bonus-point win against a poor Italian side was never really in doubt, getting them off the mark in the TikTok Women's Six Nations, and relieving a degree of pressure ahead of a daunting trip to leaders England in Round 4.

In front of 5,089 spectators at Musgrave Park, Greg McWilliams' side looked by far the better team, continuing to try and move the ball around the pitch, while crucially they dominated Italy in the scrum, particularly as the game wore on.

Beibhinn Parsons and Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe looked dangerous every time they saw the ball, while Eve Higgins continued to impress in the centre, scoring a second half try.

In the pack, Sam Monaghan's carrying gave Ireland consistent gainline success, and Hannah O'Connor justified her first start of the championship at number 8 both in open play and the lineout.

They led 10-3 at half time, Lucy Mulhall and Neve Jones crossing for tries, and playing with the strong wind behind them after the break they grew in confidence.

Higgins pounced on a kick to score their third try on 42 minutes, and they secured the bonus point soon after, with their much-improved scrum driving the visitors over to draw a penalty try.

And although they eventually allowed Italy in to score, there was still time for Katie O'Dwyer to cross for a fifth Ireland try in the closing minutes.

Ireland played into the howling wind in the first half, and it's effects were evident in the opening minutes when Lucy Mulhall's clearing kick could only just get beyond her own 22.

And that territory eventually led to an Italian penalty beneath the posts, one which centre Beatrice Rigoni kicked between the posts to give Italy a 3-0