Donal Lenihan: Bench boost the big upside from tough test in Rome
Andy Farrell’s much depleted squad has delivered a full house in this championship so far.
SOFT HANDS: Conor Murray of Ireland offloads in the tackle by Sebastian Negri of Italy to set-up a try for Mack Hansen. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
ON the tenth anniversary of Ireland’s only Six Nations defeat to the Italians, the strength in depth of the current crop of Irish players was tested to the full with eight front-line starters absent from the outset of Saturday's game.
SIX NATIONS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP 2025
Your home for the latest news, views and analysis of this year's Six Nations Championship from our award winning sports team.
SIX NATIONS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP 2025
Your home for the latest news, views and analysis of this year's Six Nations Championship from our award winning sports team.
This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in
By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser. Please note if you are unable to sign up via your mobile web browser, please download and sign up for mobile push notifications via our FREE mobile news app.
