Ireland breezed past Italy 50-17 to give themselves a crack at a fourth Six Nations crown in seven years as Europe’s rugby championship sprang back into life in Dublin.

Hugo Keenan bagged a debut brace, with fellow newcomer Will Connors also on the scoresheet for the Irish on Saturday.

CJ Stander, Johnny Sexton, Bundee Aki and Dave Heffernan all crossed too, with Edoardo Padovani and Paolo Garbisi finishing for the Italians.

Sexton finished with an 18-point haul but Garry Ringrose suffered a head injury scare in one of the few blows to Ireland’s straightforward afternoon at an Aviva Stadium empty of fans due to coronavirus restrictions.

Ireland’s facile win leaves Andy Farrell’s side requiring another bonus-point victory against France in Paris next weekend to seal yet another Six Nations crown.

Ireland claimed Six Nations glory in 2014, 2015 and 2018 under New Zealander Joe Schmidt, with the final tournament win featuring just their third ever Grand Slam.

But now new boss Farrell has the chance to steer Ireland to another Six Nations triumph at his first crack.

Putting four tries past France in Paris will prove an altogether different challenge from vanquishing the also-rans of Italy, however.

The Azzurri’s record Six Nations losing streak was extended to 26 with precious little issue, as Ireland hardly had to hit full stride.