Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby feels his side were "trying to force things" in their Six Nations win over Italy.

Hooker Dan Sheehan scored a hat-trick of tries as champions Ireland laboured to a 22-17 bonus-point victory over hosts Italy on Saturday to move top of the Six Nations table and retain a chance of winning the title.

Ireland beat Italy 22-17 in their final game of the Six Nations to keep their slim title chances alive depending on results.

Ireland stand-in coach Simon Easterby was left frustrated by his side’s inability to kill off the match in their 22-17 Six Nations victory over Italy in Rome on Saturday, and admits it has been a mixed campaign for the defending champions.

Ireland held off a spirited Italy to secure a bonus-point win in Rome, but their hopes of winning a third consecutive Six Nations title were ended by England's win over Wales. Hugo Keenan's first-half score and Dan Sheehan's hat-trick ensured a win that took Ireland to 19 points in the table,

Interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby has praised Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray following the trio's final Test match against Italy on Saturday.

Ireland remained in the Six Nations title hunt with a thrilling 22-17 win over Italy which moved Simon Easterby's team top of the championship.Gonzalo Quesada's side remain fifth, two points above bottom side Wales who will avoid finishing last with a win over England.