Dan Sheehan’s Hat Trick Seals Ireland’s Victory Over Italy in Six Nations Clash

Dan Sheehan stole the show with a stunning hat trick as Ireland edged out Italy 22-17 in a tense Six Nations showdown. While the reigning champions secured the much-needed bonus-point win, their title hopes were dashed following England’s emphatic victory over Wales.

Sheehan Leads the Charge in Hard-Fought Win

Despite claiming the five-point haul, Ireland’s performance under stand-in coach Simon Easterby left much to be desired. Italy, showing significant improvement from previous matches, pushed their opponents to the limit and ensured they avoided the wooden spoon, thanks to Wales’ struggles in Cardiff.

Early Drama as Italy Strikes First

The hosts made an electrifying start as fly-half Paolo Garbisi executed a perfect grubber kick, allowing Monty Ioane to gather and cross in the corner for the opening try.

Ireland thought they had responded through Finlay Bealham, but his effort was ruled out for a double movement. However, the visitors didn’t have to wait long for their first breakthrough. A well-executed backline move from a five-metre scrum sent Hugo Keenan over the tryline, leveling the contest.

Injury Woes for Italy as Ireland Takes Control

Italy’s hopes took a hit as they lost three key forwards—Dino Lamb, Lorenzo Cannone, and Sebastian Negri—inside the first 30 minutes due to injuries. Despite this setback, a long-range penalty from Tommaso Allan momentarily restored their lead.

However, Ireland capitalized when Michele Lamaro was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-down. With a rolling maul from a lineout, Sheehan powered over, giving Ireland a 12-10 advantage at halftime.

Sheehan’s Hat Trick Seals the Deal

Ireland dominated territory after the break, and Sheehan wasted no time doubling his tally. Once again, the rolling maul proved unstoppable, with the hooker dotting down for his second try.

The game took a controversial turn when Italy’s Vintcent received a yellow card, later upgraded to a red after a bunker review for head-on-head contact with Keenan. Taking full advantage, Sheehan completed his hat trick, reacting quickly to Mack Hansen’s tap-back from a Jamison Gibson-Park kick.

Italy Fights Back, But Ireland Holds On

Despite Sheehan’s heroics, Ireland failed to put the game to bed. Jack Crowley’s three missed conversions left the door open, and Italy took full advantage. A dazzling break from Ange Capuozzo set up Stephen Varney for a converted try, narrowing the deficit to just five points with 18 minutes left.

Italy pressed for a late upset, but Ireland held firm to secure the win, keeping their championship hopes mathematically alive—at least until England’s dominant victory over Wales sealed their fate.

Looking Ahead

With the Six Nations campaign nearing its climax, Ireland will be eager to address their inconsistencies as they prepare for their next challenge. Meanwhile, Italy’s spirited display suggests they are a rising force in European rugby, ready to cause more upsets in the future.