Six Nations: Ireland boss Andy Farrell demands more despite victory over Italy | Rugby Union News

Following Ireland’s victory over Italy in Rome, head coach Andy Farrell wants more from his team as they bid for Six Nations and World Cup success; his side head to Murrayfield to play Scotland on March 12 as they continue their Grand Slam bid

Andy Farrell felt Ireland should have scored more tries against Italy in Rome

Ireland coach Andy Farrell was pleased with the five points but not the performance after watching his side labour to a 34-20 victory over Italy in their Six Nations fixture in Rome on Saturday.

Ireland scored four tries in the opening 35 minutes but made the game safe only in the final 10 after Italy came back into contention with a spirited display.

Farrell was unhappy with his team’s finishing in the 22, something he has lamented throughout this Six Nations campaign.

“The positive is the chances we created but the negative is that we did not take them all again. I don’t know what it was, four or five tries that we left out there,” said Farrell.

Mack Hansen celebrates with team-mates after scoring Ireland’s fourth try

“We let them into the game through lack of discipline at times. We did not control the game as much as we should do but Test match rugby does not go your way the whole time.

“We found a way and it’s nice to get the bonus-point win away from home. We still wanted it to be a better performance than it was.”

Farrell had praise for Italy and said their improvement as a team under coach Kieran Crowley was obvious.

Stephen Varney scored Italy’s first try

“All credit must go to Italy, it was a proper Test match, they are a proper side,” Farrell said. “Everyone can see the progression but when you are here and you are facing it… they were tough and resilient and in the forwards they gave us absolutely nothing.

“Defending their own line they were physical and in attack they cut us open from time to time.”

Jack Conan locks horns with two Italian tacklers

Ireland travel to Scotland for their next fixture on March 12 with thoughts of a Grand Slam still alive.

“It is about the performance, about the next one. Murrayfield is a tough place to go. As is Rome,” Farrell added.