IRELAND 20 ITALY 13Ireland claimed their first victory of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations at Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon but it was a less than emphatic rebound from their opening-round hammering by France. Indeed, Italy’s scrum enjoyed a dominant afternoon while their attacking instincts consistently caused Ireland problems, right to the 80th minute. On a day when Scotland’s Hollie Davidson became the first female to referee a Six Nations match, Ireland had looked in danger of making some less notable history as Italy looked for their first Six Nations victory in Dublin, leading 10-5 at half-time. Italy spent the majority of those closing minutes in the ascendancy before Ireland relieved the siege without further concessions. Yet this will not be a victory to cherish and major improvements are still needed ahead of their trip to Twickenham in seven days.

Source: Irish Examiner February 14, 2026 19:21 UTC