Six Nations 2024: 'It's just started, hasn't it?' – Ireland coach Andy Farrell ready for 'really tough' run-in

Ireland chalked up another dominant Six Nations victory on Sunday afternoon, thrashing Italy 36-0.

But for coach Andy Farrell, things are just beginning to get interesting.

Speaking after the historic win over Italy - the first time a team had been held to nil in the tournament since England (also against Ireland) back in 1987 - Farrell spoke with humility despite the one-sided nature of the match.

"We got a bit clunky in parts but they are tricky enough to play against. They [Italy] have changed the way that they play, they are a little more pragmatic so you have to find different ways of getting the ball back," he told ITV Sport.

He continued: "We're happy enough and we got what we wanted in the game with a bonus-point win. Keeping them to zero is very pleasing and there were some nice tries out there and some nice performances by individuals."

Asked about Ireland's Six Nations title hopes, Farrell was careful to fan the flames too much with Triple Crown games against Wales, England and Scotland still to come.

He said: "We want to win every game, you know, so we're not shying away from that, but the tournament only gets harder from here on in. It's just started, hasn't it?

"It's a good start, it's exactly where we want to be. But we know the task ahead of us. The Triple Crown back-to-back now in the next three games, it's going to be really tough, but we're in a good spot."

No team has ever won consecutive Six Nations Grand Slams but Ireland are chasing history as they sit in an imperious position atop the table after two games.

Equally, Ireland would have to create another piece of history if they were to take the Triple Crown for a third consecutive year. No team has won three consecutive Triple Crowns since Wales' four straight (1976-79), while Ireland themselves have never done so.

The Irish have two wins, two bonus points, and a huge points differential advantage over the rest of the field.

Ireland have Wales next up, before a trip to Twickenham and the visit of Scotland to round out the tournament.

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