IRELAND claimed a commanding 54-12 victory over Italy at Parma’s Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Sunday in the Women’s Six Nations.
It was the highest scoreline Ireland's Women's squad have recorded since 2021—and the most points they’ve put on the board in a Six Nations match since 2016.
The emphatic win comes just a week after a tough opening loss to France.
Speaking ahead of the match, Aoife Dalton said: “It’s the game that we one hundred percent have going. I know it’s away from home, but we’re on a one hundred percent target to win.”
Dalton’s confidence proved well placed.
Just two minutes into the match, Ireland got their first try. A maul was disrupted, but Dalton made several strong carries before grounding the ball. Dannah O’Brien slotted the conversion.
Ireland struck again five minutes later when Aoibheann Riley capitalised on a dropped Italian pass. Eve Higgins broke through a gap and offloaded to Anna McGann, who scored. O’Brien added the extras.
Before kick-off, Ireland head coach Scott Bemand had warned of Italy’s on-pitch organisation—and his concerns were realised when Sofia Stefan scored from a scrum inside Ireland’s 22. But the Italians failed to convert, the ball bouncing off the post.
With the scoreline at 5-14, it was still all to play for.
But Ireland pulled ahead when Eve Higgins exploited space and set up Amee-Leigh Costelloe for a third try. O’Brien maintained her perfect kicking record with another conversion.
McGann grabbed her second try after link-up play from O’Brien and Stacey Flood, crossing in the corner. O’Brien made it 4 from 4.
Ireland went in at half-time leading 28-5.
Just after the break, Linda Djougang powered through for Ireland’s sixth try. But she was soon sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Emma Stevanin and did not return—though the offence earned her only a yellow card.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ireland stayed dominant. Brittany Hogan added another try.
Italy did respond, awarded a try after a TMO review confirmed Beatrice Rigoni had crossed the line.
But Ireland weren’t finished yet. Hogan scored again off a quick tap-and-go, and O’Brien nailed the conversion despite her previous miss.
In the 81st minute, McGann sealed her hat-trick after a well-timed pass from Christy Haney, and O’Brien rounded off a superb day with yet another successful kick.
Ireland now look ahead to their next Six Nations clash—against England in Cork on April 12.
See More: Ireland, Italy, Rugby Union, Women's Six Nations
