Ireland run riot against Italy
Picture: Getty Images[break]
By Mark Stevens
12/3/2016
Exeter Chiefs centre Michele Campagnaro could do little to thwart a rampant Ireland side who broke their own Six Nations record by scoring nine tries as they thrashed the Azzurri 58-15 to clinch their first win of the 2016 tournament.
Last year's champions dominated as Andrew Trimble, Jack McGrath, CJ Stander and Jamie Heaslip crossed the Italian line in the first half.
Jared Payne, Heaslip and replacements Sean Cronin, Ian Madigan and Fergus McFadden added further tries.
Backs David Odiete and Leonardo Sarto touched down for outplayed Italy.
The visitors fell to their 11th defeat in 13 games and did not present the Irish with a real challenge, but coach Joe Schmidt will be relieved after an entertaining display from his dethroned champions.