Ireland kept their Six Nations title hopes very much alive with a 50-17 bonus-point victory over Italy in Dublin on Saturday.

Ireland’s commanding win leaves Andy Farrell’s side requiring another bonus-point victory over France in Paris next weekend to seal the 2020 Six Nations crown.

For Italy, the result extends their undesired record to 26 straight defeats in the Six Nations.

Ireland scored seven tries, with CJ Stander grabbing the opening touchdown, but it were debutants Hugo Keenan and Will Connors who shone brightest for the hosts. Keenan bagged a brace and Connors scored once and took home the man-of-the-match award.

Italy started brightly and knocked over an early penalty, but Ireland were unfazed as they scored three converted tries and a penalty for a 24-3 lead at the break.

Italy drew first blood in the second half via a converted try but, after that, Ireland ran in four more tries to seal a comfortable win without breaking a sweat.

Photo: Dan Sheridan/INPHO