Ruthless Italy make Ireland pay at the RDS

Ireland's winless run in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations has continued, as they fell to a seventh defeat in a row in the championship, going down to Italy at the RDS.

A record Irish attendance of 6,605 watched on as the Italians claimed their first ever Six Nations win in Ireland, in a game that Scott Bemand’s side almost snatched in the final minute when they were camped on the Italian line, but the hosts ultimately had to settle for a losing bonus point.

In a repeat of last year’s defeat to Italy in Parma, Ireland dominated possession and territory for large chunks of the game, but continually lost their composure in the Italian 22. In total, the hosts made 27 handling errors, in comparison to Italy’s nine, as well as committing 17 turnovers.

Italy, who were beaten 48-0 against England in Round 1, were exceptional at times in attack and caused Declan Danaher’s defence – which performed well in France a week ago – constant problems. From limited attacking opportunities they were clinical with the ball, as Vittoria Vecchini and Valeria Fedrighi scored first-half tries which gave them a 15-7 lead at the break.

Ireland had started the game impressively, in particular the powerful Aoife Wafer, but after scoring an early penalty try to take the lead after seven minutes, a litany of handling errors saw them go 54 minutes without adding to their points total.

By the time Neve Jones mauled her way over for that second Irish try just after the hour, Italy had moved 22-7 in front, with Vecchini grabbing her second try of the game, while the visitors inflicted further damage on their hosts when winger Aura Muzzo brought up the bonus point.

A first every try for 18-year-old winger Katie Corrigan, which was converted by Dannah O’Brien