Ireland have kept their Six Nations Grand Slam hopes alive with a 34-20 victory over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome this afternoon.
Andy Farrell's side made it three wins from three in this year's Championship with another bonus-point victory that leaves them on a maximum 15 points with two games left to play.
However, the world's top-ranked side were tested all the way by the ever-improving Italians, who were within one score of the tournament favourites and front-runners until a 72nd-minute try from Mack Hansen finally gave Ireland breathing space in the closing stages.
It is ultimately another defeat for Italy, but they will once again take positives from the performance - as they did from previous losses to France and England - and will view their next match against Wales as a winnable encounter.
Ireland looked on course for a much easier afternoon when they came flying out of the blocks, with James Lowe seeing a try chalked off by the TMO even before James Ryan - captaining the side in the absence of the injured Johnny Sexton - went over in the third minute.
Italy came roaring back immediately, though, and went over themselves through Stephen Varney just four minutes later.
© Reuters
Both sides looked dangerous with the ball in hand, but Ireland were more clinical with their possession and had a four-try bonus point wrapped up before half time.
Hugo Keenan shook off Paolo Garbisi's tackle to touch down in the 13th minute, before Bundee Aki finished in the corner midway through the half.
Hansen then scored his first try of the game five minutes before half time, but it was Italy who would get the last laugh in an entertaining opening 40 minutes when Pierre Bruno intercepted and raced through for the score.
A penalty from Garbisi briefly reduced the deficit to four before Ross Byrne restored the seven-point gap, although Farrell's men were not safe until Hansen scored eight minutes from time.
Even then, Italy continued to test Ireland's defence as they searched for a route back into the match - something they were unable to find despite another positive showing.
Kieran Crowley's side next face Wales, whom they famously beat in last year's tournament, at home on March 11, while Ireland visit Murrayfield on March 12 for a potential title-decider against Scotland - the only other team to go into week three with a perfect record.
No Data Analysis info
