In a spectacular display of rugby, Ireland secured a resounding 54-12 victory over Italy in the Women's Six Nations, thanks in large part to Anna McGann's impressive hat-trick. The match, held at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma, saw Ireland dominate both halves with four tries each, marking their first away win in the tournament since 2021.

First Half Dominance

Ireland wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring two tries within the first seven minutes. Aoife Dalton and Anna McGann were instrumental in setting the tone for the match. McGann's first try came after a brilliant break by Eve Higgins, showcasing Ireland's attacking prowess. Despite a brief response from Italy's Sofia Stefan, Ireland continued to press, with Amee-Leigh Costigan adding another try before McGann secured the bonus point with her second try before halftime.

Second Half Surge

The second half saw Ireland maintain their intensity, with Linda Djougang crashing over for the first try of the half. Despite being temporarily reduced to 14 players due to a yellow card, Ireland's resilience shone through as Dorothy Wall added another try. Italy managed a consolation score through Beatrice Rigoni, but Ireland finished strong with tries from Brittany Hogan and McGann completing her hat-trick in the final play of the game.

Key Performances

• Anna McGann: The standout player of the match, McGann's hat-trick was a testament to her skill and determination.
• Dannah O'Brien: Contributed significantly with seven conversions, ensuring Ireland maximized their scoring opportunities.
• Linda Djougang: Despite a yellow card, Djougang's try was crucial in maintaining Ireland's momentum.

Looking Ahead

Ireland will next face reigning champions England in Cork on April 12, while Italy will take on Scotland the following day. This victory not only boosts Ireland's confidence but also sets the stage for an exciting clash against England.

Match Summary

Italy (5) 12 Tries: Stefan, Rigoni Cons: Rigoni

Ireland (28) 54 Tries: Dalton, McGann 3, Costigan, Djougang, Wall, Hogan Cons: O'Brien 7

Referee: Ella Goldsmith

This commanding performance by Ireland underscores their growing strength in the Women's Six Nations and sets a high bar for their upcoming matches.