Italy v Ireland as it happened: Simon Easterby’s men secure bonus point win in Rome to keep Six Nations hopes alive

Welcome to Super Saturday at the 2025 Six Nations.

Ireland are in Rome with 30,000 fans in tow and Simon Easterby’s men are looking to end their campaign on a high against Italy.

Ireland will need a big favour later in the day to have any chance of winning their third championship in a row but a resounding win will ask the question of England and France later on today.

The game also marks a final bow for Ireland legends Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray, on what will be an emotional occasion regardless of the outcome.

Stay tuned as we build up to kick off at the Stadio Olimpico at 2.15.

Italy 17-22 Ireland - Ireland labour to bonus point win

Ireland get the bonus point but a narrow win over Italy all but ends Simon Easterby's men are all but done in terms of a title challenge.

Dan Sheehan, speaking after the game

"Yeah it was a tough test game, we are happy with 5 points and its up to the rest of them to do their job"


"I think they went after our breakdown and a couple of mistakes, drop balls, and lack of clinical finishing was not good enough"


"Yeah delighted to be playing these big games, delighted to be playing with three legends , we are going to celebrate with the three lads and see what happens in the next few games."

Capuozzo's pass goes into touch and the TMO is looking at an illegal head contact from Nicoterra. Red card it is.

Prendergast pass off the wrap around goes into touch.

Scrum Ireland just outside the Italy 22

It looked like James Lowe was in play there but the lineout is called, Ireland were in there, surprised that the TMO didn't take a longer look at that.

Ireland scrum just outside the Irish 22

The brilliance comes from Ange Capuozzo, who beats his man out wide and chips the ball forward. Mack Hansen races in to try and gather the ball, but it bounces over his head and Stephen Varney is there to touch down.

Varney will get the credit, but that's all about Capuozzo. Allan nails the conversion, and Italy are right back in this one!

Hat-trick for Sheehan!!

It's brilliant play from Mack Hansen who bats the ball down Brian Fenton esque, giving Dan Sheehan the easiest try for his hat-trick

Keenan try disallowed for Doris knock-on

Hugo Keenan dives over but Doris knocked it on and the TMO disallows the try. Italy's 20 minute red card for a shoulder in the face is changed to a red card.

What an Ovation!

Peter O'Mahony enters the field to a massive reaction from every corner of the field.

Enjoy every second Peter! You deserve it!

Sheehan at the double!

Ireland get the maul going and Sheehan dives over for his second try of the game.

Ireland are nearly over for another try but an Italian foot stops Ireland just short. No try after a TMO check.

"The mood in Rome was buoyant before half time, but the 30,000 Irish fans have been silenced by a poor performance from the team who look to be still carrying a hangover from last week's second half against France. They're ahead on the scoreboard and half way to the bonus point they need, but they'll be desperate to come out and give a far better account of themselves as they aim to sign off this Six Nations on a high"

Rúaidhrí O'Connor live from the Stadio Olimpico

Italy go the corner