Ireland Women 21 Italy Women 8Captain Ciara Griffin claimed a second-half brace of tries as an improved performance from the Ireland Women saw them beat Italy 21-8 at Donnybrook. The early injury-enforced departure of Alison Miller (fractured ankle) was a huge setback, but fellow winger Megan Williams scored a try on her home debut to ensure a 7-3 half-time lead for Ireland. Ireland’s bright start was marred by a serious ankle injury suffered by Miller after she was tackled on a run up to halfway. A couple of attacks were foiled by handling errors, but from an Ailsa Hughes turnover off a scrum, Ireland struck for an opening 10th-minute try. Not used: Silvia Turani (Rugby Colorno), Giorgia Durante (Montebelluna Rugby 1977/Benetton Rugby), Michela Merlo (Rugby Mantova/Rugby Colorno), Miriam Pagani (Rugby Como), Arianna Corbucci (Frascati Rugby Club 2015), Anna Maria Gizzi (Frascati Rugby Club 2015), Aura Muzzo (Iniziative Rugby Villorba).

Source: Evening echo February 11, 2018 15:22 UTC