Italy 7-5 Ireland LIVE! Six Nations 2023 match stream, latest score and rugby updates today
The Six Nations return to Rome this afternoon with Ireland as heavy favorites as they take another step towards a first Grand Slam since 2018 a fortnight ago, one of the greatest matches this brilliant competition has ever seen.
It was another key message from the men in green that they peaked at exactly the right time as they look to finish their World Cup fagot later this year. Farrell has made six changes to his team in round three for tonight’s clash at the Stadio Olimpico, with Ross Byrne starting at half-time, captain Johnny Sexton sidelined and James Ryan receiving the armband. Ireland lost Garry Ringrose to late injury on Friday.
Italy need to pick up some steam again after being defeated by England last time out at Twickenham, a disappointing setback after they gave France an almighty scare in the opening weekend. Paolo Garbisi, Pierre Bruno and Simone Ferrari join Kieran Crowley’s starting XV. Follow Italy v Ireland live in the Six Nations below!
live updates
10 mins: Ireland’s defense creaks unusually early here.
The returning Garbisi pulls the strings beautifully from 10, with Italy boasting runners and threats throughout the park while attacking beautifully from the back of an alley.
Lorenzo Cannone makes another fantastic break and only a crucial turnover from prop Andrew Porter deep in the 22 saves Ireland.
ATTEMPT! Italy 7-5 Ireland | Stephen Varney 7′
7 minutes: How about a quick reply from the Azzurri!
Aki and Lowe are exposed on defense while Italy attack brilliantly and purposefully, left to right lightning fast, great handling, carrying capacity and intensity.
No. 8 Lorenzo Cannone holds the ball decisively as it is dragged to the ground just short of the line, and Gloucester scrum half Varney quickly picks it up and shoots wide.
Great try. Garbisi’s first kick off the tee sails through. Italy leads!
Watch: James Ryan scores first Irish try
ATTEMPT! Italy 0-5 Ireland | James Ryan 3′
3 minutes: The TMO does not have to check this.
Ireland goes down the short side on a counterattack from the left and Aki brilliantly breaks through two tacklers.
He goes outside to Lowe, who then promptly plays a pass back to Ryan.
The backup captain pretends to match the supporting Casey and goes above and beyond.
A tricky conversion from Byrne sails wide of the left post. It stays at 5:0.
Really ominous portents for Italy.
NO TRY
2 minutes: It’s not an attempt!
Officials look at every available angle, with the TMO finally deciding that Lowe dropped the ball over the line.
That looked like the right decision.
An early reprieve for Italy, but Ireland is coming back…
2 minutes: Ireland tear up Italy with their first-ever attack of the game!
Flying flanker Josh van der Flier breaks free and James Lowe ends up with a hand in the left corner with Ange Capuozzo draped all over his back.
It looks like a try, but we need to check the grounding here…
On the way in Rome!
Can Ireland get one step closer to a Six Nations Grand Slam?
Or will Italy deliver a monumental shock in its bid for a first win over the Men in Green in a decade?
Time to find out when Ross Byrne gets going.
Referee today is the Scot Mike Adamson.
Time for the national anthems!
Few in the world are better than Italy’s rousing Il Canto degli Italiani.
Here come the teams at the Stadio Olimpico!
Lions lock James Ryan leads Ireland at senior level for a seventh time with usual skipper Johnny Sexton a mere spectator this afternoon.
Michele Lamaro leaves the hosts.
A quick reminder of today’s teams in Rome…