Six Nations Grand Slam remains on the cards for Ireland

Andy Farrell’s exhausted side were well below their fluid best in Rome but ultimately clinched victory thanks to two tries from Mack Hansen from goals from James Ryan, Hugo Keenan and Bundee Aki.

Fearless Italy had rocked the world number one for large parts of an unrelenting encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.

Stephen Varney’s attempt, an excellent breakaway result from Pierre Bruno and 10 points from Paolo Garbisi kept Kieran Crowley’s hosts in contention and they were just four points behind with 15 minutes to go.

But the Irish, helped by nine points from Ross Byrne, weathered the scare and stayed on course for a clean Championship win before moving on to dates with title rivals Scotland and England in March.

Ireland arrived in the Italian capital on form to claim their third straight tournament success but without a host of star names due to injury.

Swaths of green jerseys filled the stands and saw a side piloted by Byrne and Craig Casey, a rookie half-back, get off to a flying start.

James Lowe, who benefited from a favorable call in the 32-19 win over France two weeks ago, was denied a quick goal this time as replays showed him dropping the ball with one hand just before the floor to finish under pressure from Ange Capuozzo.

However, Irish disappointment was quickly tempered by backup skipper Ryan, who benefited from a Lowe assist after a fine Aki offload to cross within three minutes.

Italy have not had a home win since a surprise 10-15 win over Declan Kidney’s Ireland a decade ago.

Spurred on by the erratic talents of fit-again fly-half Garbisi and speedy full-back Capuozzo, they contributed to an exciting encounter and quickly struck back when Welsh-born scrum-half Varney snuck past after a strong run from Lorenzo Cannone.

Ireland full-back Keenan then weaved through a host of tackles to throw himself before Aki, who was instrumental in his side’s first two tries, broke clear to extend the scoreboard in the middle of a breathless first half after a Penalty by Garbisi had reduced the deficit for a short time.

After a temporary hiatus as Casey recovered from leaving injured from Italy’s suspension Niccolo Cannone and propsman Finlay Bealham, Farrell’s men had bagged the bonus point with just 35 minutes left when Hansen ended wide down the right flank continued pressure to help suppress domestic support emerged.

But the visitors had little time to enjoy the cushion as their lead was halved to seven points with the final action of a thrilling opening period.

Italy winger Bruno made a superb interception of Aki’s pass in his own half and fired from around 70 yards to restore balance to the match and reignite optimism among Azzurri fans.

Another Garbisi penalty cut the lead to 24-20 and Farrell looked worried in the stands after Aki was denied a second goal of the afternoon as replays showed him losing possession before regaining his composure.

A Byrne penalty helped settle nerves before Hansen slipped through the Italian defense with nine minutes remaining to ensure Ireland clinched a valuable if unconvincing victory.