Italy fans have been left frustrated by inconsistent refereeing as Ryan Baird escaped punishment for a similar challenge that earlier saw the Azzurri hooker sent off.
The game was effectively ended as a contest after just 20 minutes when the dismissal of replacement hooker Hame Faiva prompted uncontested scrums, which meant Italy were forced to take a further player off reducing them to 13.
The visitors defended bravely and at times frustrated Ireland, who still managed to score nine tries despite falling well short of their best with the ball.
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5 stars who underperformed in round three of the 2022 Six Nations
We take at five players who flopped during the third round of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations, including a disappointing England star.
#1. Finn Russell (Scotland)
Rugby Pass 5/10: "An erratic display, not for the first time. His aimless kick allowed Dupont space for the opening French try. A dropped ball as Scotland attack and bounced by Danty in the build-up to the visitors’ third score. On the back foot for the second half and hooked after an hour."
#2. Adam Beard (Wales)
JOE: "Never got up in the air, at the lineout, for the Dombrandt try. Penalised for tackling Isiekwe on his lineout jump."
#3. Melvyn Jaminet (France)
Rugby Pass: Set the tone for an up-and-down game when he missed an absolute sitter from in front of the posts in the opening minutes before slotting a nerve-settling conversion from wide on the left then expertly landing a 50-22. Missed a high ball completely to give Scotland a good attacking opportunity then compounded the error by conceding a penalty for a high tackle.
#4. Stuart Hogg
Rugby 365: "A day where very little went the skipper’s way. Dropped a clanger with the line at his mercy in the first half and couldn’t regather his own chip after the break. Battled gamely, but unable to drag his side back into the game.'
#5. Elliot Daly
JOE: "Steady enough outing after being drafted in for the injured Manu Tuilagi. Kept wales honest in attack but fell off a couple of tackles, in defence."
