ROME (Reuters) -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.

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.

There are seven changes to the Italy team which were beaten by England with full-back Tommaso Allan among those to return to the side while captain Michele Lamaro is one of those who drops out.