An emphatic second half performance from Ireland sealed a bonus point, 39-12 victory over Italy at Musgrave Park tonight.

Tries from Fionn Gibbons, Matthew Devine, Lorcan McLaughlin ,James Culhane and Chay Mullins sealed a valuable win for Ireland to keep them on track for the Grand Slam.

It was a cagey and scrappy first quarter of an hour, but it was Richie Murphy’s side who took the lead with just under 18 minutes on the clock.

Full back Patrick Campbell showed his dancing feet in midfield, leaving Italian defenders behind before releasing the ball to Fionn Gibbons on the left wing. Gibbons’ acceleration was immense, and he dived over in the corner for the first try of the game.

Charlie Tector was unphased with the conversion from a tight angle and added the extra two points from the tee.

Italy’s night took a bad turn when flanker David Odiase was sin-binned for an off the ball incident with James McCormick. Ireland’s forwards continued to make an impact with Reuben Crothers and James Culhane making big carries throughout the first period.

Charlie Tector took his first half tally to eight points with two further penalties before the half hour mark.

Just as Odiase came back on the pitch, captain Giacomo Ferrari was sin-binned for leading with his forearm into a tackle.

Ireland looked as if they were going into the interval with a 13 point advantage, but Italy dealt the hosts a huge blow with a try from loosehead prop Luca Rizzoli.

The Italian side opted to kick to touch in the final play of the half and recycled the ball well before Rizzoli powered through multiple Irish attempted tackles to reduce the deficit.

Nicolo Teneggi added the extra points from the conversion to make the scores 13-7 at half time.

It took just over 15 minutes for the first try of the second half , but a pick and go from Galway Corinthians’ Matthew Devine off the back of a ruck gave Ireland their second try of the game.

Just moments later, the hosts increased their advantage after some big carries from Jack Boyle and Conor O’Tighearnaigh. Devine popped the ball into the path of Lorcan McLaughlin who scored moments after being introduced to the game.

The excellent James Culhane was next to get his name on the scoresheet with the back row showing his power to drive over the line and secure the bonus point for Ireland.

With the Italian defence tiring, the fast feet of Chay Mullins proved a nightmare for the visitors. Mullins stepped around attempted Italian tackles before going on a mazy run through the Italy 22 metre line and over the try line. Substitute Tony Butler added his second conversion of the game to stretch Ireland’s advantage to 32 points.

Italy did find a consolation try courtesy of hooker Tommaso Scramoncin who peeled off the back of a maul in the dying moments to secure his side’s second try of the evening.