Dan Sheehan Hat-Trick Lifts Ireland Over Italy As Six Nations Title Race Intensifies

The historic Stadio Olimpico in Rome was the stage for high drama on January 24, 2026, as Ireland battled past a spirited Italy side to claim a 22-17 bonus-point victory in the fifth round of the Six Nations. The win, hard-fought and far from routine, keeps Ireland’s dreams of a third consecutive championship alive, though their fate now depends on the results of Wales vs England in Cardiff and Scotland vs France in Paris later on the same Super Saturday.

Dan Sheehan, Ireland’s powerhouse hooker, was the undisputed star of the afternoon, crossing the whitewash three times for a memorable hat-trick. Fullback Hugo Keenan also added his name to the scoresheet, capping off a relentless Irish attack that, at times, struggled to convert pressure into points. For Italy, tries from winger Monty Ioane and scrumhalf Stephen Varney showcased their attacking flair, but repeated disciplinary lapses left the Azzurri shorthanded for much of the contest.

From the opening whistle, there was an air of anticipation in Rome. Ireland, still reeling from a stinging defeat to France in round four, made six changes to their lineup. The return of James Lowe and Mack Hansen on the wings injected much-needed pace and width, while Garry Ringrose’s comeback in the centers added defensive stability. Interim coach Simon Easterby, tasked with steadying the ship, handed the fly-half reins to Jack Crowley, who was preferred over Sam Prendergast after a turbulent previous outing.

Italy, meanwhile, made seven changes of their own, the most notable being the shock decision to drop captain Michele Lamaro to the bench after 24 consecutive Six Nations starts. Juan Ignacio Brex took over the captaincy, and coach Gonzalo Quesada shuffled his pack in search of a more resilient performance following a heavy defeat at Twickenham. Tommaso Allan returned at fullback, while Ange Capuozzo shifted to the wing, hoping to exploit any gaps in the Irish defense.

The first half was a tale of missed opportunities and defensive grit. Italy struck first, with Tommaso Menoncello breaking the Irish line and sending Garbisi through for a perfectly timed offload to Ioane, who finished under the posts. Allan’s conversion put the hosts ahead, and the home crowd sensed a possible upset. Ireland responded through Keenan, who sprinted over after a slick move orchestrated by Crowley, leveling the scores at 7-7. But the Azzurri regained the lead with a penalty, and as halftime approached, Irish nerves began to fray.

Just before the break, Ireland’s rolling maul clicked into gear. Sheehan, ever the opportunist, capitalized on a lineout deep in Italian territory, crashing over for his first try. Crowley’s missed conversion left the score at 12-10 in Ireland’s favor at the interval, but the sense was that the visitors were yet to find their rhythm. "The Irish lead a game they’ve underwhelmed in, punishing Italy at the end there," noted one observer, capturing the mood succinctly.

The second half saw the game’s intensity rise, along with the penalty count. Italy’s discipline faltered, with Lamaro and Giacomo Nicotera both shown yellow cards, and Ross Vintcent receiving a 20-minute red for a head-on-head challenge. For half an hour, Italy played with 14 men, a handicap that would have broken lesser teams. Yet the Azzurri refused to fold, defending bravely and counterattacking with verve.

Sheehan seized his chance again early in the second half, finishing off a powerful maul for his second try. Keenan then added another, benefiting from Crowley’s incisive running and vision. With the bonus point secured, Ireland looked set to pull away, but Italy responded in style. Ange Capuozzo, electric on the wing, burst past Garry Ringrose before a deft kick ahead allowed Varney to dot down, narrowing the gap and reigniting the contest.

Late drama ensued as Nicotera was sent off for a dangerous hit on Peter O'Mahony, who, along with Conor Murray, was making his final appearance in international rugby. The pair received warm applause from teammates and fans alike, marking the end of an era for Irish rugby. O’Mahony’s leadership and Murray’s tactical acumen have been cornerstones of Ireland’s recent success, and their departures will leave sizable shoes to fill.

Despite Italy’s late surge and several nervy moments for the visitors, Ireland held on for a 22-17 win. The result pushed them to 19 points atop the Six Nations table, having finished their campaign with four wins out of five. Yet, with France and England still to play, the title’s destination remains uncertain. "Ireland kept their hopes for a third consecutive Six Nations title alive with an X-X win over Italy," read a summary from the match report, underscoring the tension still lingering over the championship outcome.

Looking ahead, the Six Nations promises more twists. The 2026 tournament is set to kick off on February 5, with France hosting Ireland in Paris—a fixture already circled in many calendars. The schedule, stacked with marquee clashes through March 14, will see familiar rivalries renewed and new storylines written. Ireland’s squad, brimming with both seasoned campaigners and emerging talents like Sheehan, will be eager to build on their recent performances. According to ESPN, "Sheehan is now also a senior figure who others will look to when they're under pressure," a testament to his growing influence within the team.

For Italy, the campaign ends with a sense of what might have been. Despite their discipline issues, the Azzurri showed flashes of brilliance and resilience, especially in attack. Paolo Garbisi, now a veteran with 49 caps, remains central to their hopes for future success, while the likes of Capuozzo and Ioane give Italian fans reasons for optimism.

Broadcast coverage of the Six Nations continues to expand, with all games shown free-to-air on BBC and ITV in the UK, as well as online via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. ESPN is also providing comprehensive coverage for international audiences, ensuring fans worldwide can follow every twist and turn.

As the dust settles on a pulsating afternoon in Rome, Ireland’s players and supporters must wait anxiously for the final results from Cardiff and Paris. Their bid for a third straight Six Nations title is still alive, but the outcome now rests in the hands of their rivals. One thing’s for certain: the Six Nations never fails to deliver drama, and this year is shaping up to be no exception.