Italy may have been brutal, but there was no mistaking the swagger in the step of these Irish players.
The insubstantial Azzurri were the perfect opposition for an Ireland side that could no longer ignore the doubters and naysayers.
Too conservative, too risk averse and too try-shy, Joe Schmidt’s men needed to open a can of whoop ass on Italy and open a can of whoop ass they did – running in NINE tries for a 58-15 victory.
It was the confidence-boosting result needed after a terribly disappointing opening three rounds.
Simon Zebo – 8
Can’t avoid the fact that he was never really tested defensively by a dire Italian team, but the Munster man’s special set of gifts can’t be dismissed outright when compared to Rob Kearney anymore. A couple of wobbly kicks early on aside, the full-back was excellent. Always arriving on to the pass at pace, he offloaded, he side-stepped, he even cracked out a 360-spin at one point. So unpredictable, which was a real bonus against the Azzurri and it was his offload that created Jamie Heaslip’s incredible try.
Andrew Trimble – 7
Notched his 17th international try after good work from Jared Payne and Keith Earls. Should have had his 18th at the half hour but instead of pinning his ears back and going for the corner he stepped inside and was stopped short. CJ Stander went on to score so it was a cheap mistake. Great under the high ball and was key to Heaslip’s try from the end of the world.
Jared Payne – 7
The man included for his defensive prowess had to show the other side of his game thanks to Italy’s failure to turn up. The New Zealander did not disappoint. Centrally involved in the first and the third try, the inside centre showed us he can throw a pass, shake a leg and play on the front foot. Gifted a try by the generous Edourdo Padovani.
Robbie Henshaw – 7
Same as his centre partner Henshaw was under some degree of pressure to show that the attacking flourishes at 13 in Twickenham could be replicated in the inside slot. An early reverse pass to Zebo was a good omen and he showed a nice range of passing as well as running a few hard yards. Ended the first half receiving treatment for a split forehead after colliding with Guglielmo Palazzani.
Keith Earls – 7
Another attacking talent given an opportunity to shine. Showed some nice footwork and got a serious rattle when attempting an offload. Despite some great running his first-half highlight was the superb clear out that allowed Trimble to score the first try in the corner. Joe Schmidt loves that from his wingers, even if both Italian tries came down his flank.
WATCH: Painkillers rushed to the pitch after this crunching hit on Keith Earls https://t.co/qk75cmdK0Q
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 12, 2016
Johnny Sexton – 8
No doubt bouyed by George Hook’s self-flagellating appearance on the Late, Late Show, Sexton laid down another excellent performance. Took any number of head-wobbling hits as he orchestrated Ireland’s attack. Patchy from the tee but impeccable with his restarts and touch-seekers. As always he contributed defensively, executing a textbook choke tackle on Gonzalo Garcia.
Conor Murray – 7
Kicked less and kicked better than recent matches, while it took a few moments for him to find his passing range. Not for the first time this championship the scrum-half put in a try-saving tackle, showing great strength to force Garcia into touch in the third minute.
Jack McGrath – 8
Scored a try, held up his side of the scrum, while being spared the bulk of his defensive work by a putrid challenge from the Azzurri. Undoubtedly Ireland’s first-choice loosehead ahead of Cian Healy.
Rory Best – 8
Called ashore after 50 minutes, the hooker was able to savour the final 30 minutes of his maiden victory as captain from the comfort of the bench. Seemed far more comfortable in his role here, pinging every lineout to the intended target and frequently serving as first receiver for Murray.
Mike Ross – 6
Scrum was a rock and the Leinster tighthead lasted 55 minutes before being replaced. Edging towards full fitness but already so superior to anything else available. He must be treasured and mollycoddled.
Donnacha Ryan – 8
Brings a nice level of grunt and grit to the Irish pack. It was the gnarled Munster man who drove Stander over the line for Ireland’s third try. Might not be there for the long-term but he offers great high power back-up.
Devin Toner – 8
May have silenced some of the wistful remembrances of Paul O’Connell with this performance. Superb under the restarts and prominent in the defence, which was great, but Toner will live or die by the lineout and today that was exemplary. Had a couple of steals, the first of which eventually led to Trimble’s try.
CJ Stander – 7
Ireland’s latest try-scorer, the South African is cementing his place in the ultra-crowded constituency of the Irish back-row. Possesses a wonderful ability to break the first tackle and is such an explosive runner. Defensively very trustworthy and just a beast for work.
Josh van der Flier – 7
The Leinster man is such a pest around the breakdown, his red scrum cap popping up all over the place. Not as prominent with ball in hand as some of his fellow forwards, he put in a shift in defence. His thirst for tackling is remarkable.
Jamie Heaslip – 8
Made a couple of big tackles in the first half but this game will be remembered for his finishing of one of the great Irish team tries. Zebo’s offload, Payne’s scamper up the touchline, Sexton’s delayed pass, Trimble’s hands and Fergus McFadden’s vision all contributed before the No8 powered to the line. Added a second after the break to cap a much-improved showing as he over-shadowed his lauded opposite number Sergio Parisse.
Replacements
Ian Madigan [For Sexton, 50′] – 6
His little shimmy saw him score a try from close distance, just a shame he hit the post with the conversion. A pass behind Payne’s back was evidence he is still some way short of Sexton’s level.
Sean Cronin [For Best, 50′] – 7
How Richardt Strauss was in ahead of him in the earlier rounds we’ll never know. Such an effective impact replacement. Scored one lovely try and brought the crowd to their feet with another electric break.
Nathan White [For Ross, 55′] – 6
One of five Connacht players to finish the game. That’s something to write about, unlike his contribution.
Ultan Dillane [For Toner, 55′] – 6
Full of athletic potential but this game was already in the bag by the time he made his entrance. Did nothing wrong.
Kieran Marmion [For Murray, 60′] – 7
Fairly zips the ball away from the base of the ruck. Attack did not miss a beat when he came in, although there wasn’t much defence to challenge his distribution.
Rhys Ruddock [For Stander, 63′] – 7
Offers something different from the starting flankers, the big Leinster man rarely disappoints in green and ran hard in the closing stages.
Finlay Bealham [For McGrath, 65′] – 6
Ireland’s fourth debutant in two games, the Australian can be happy with his contribution at the fag end of the game.
Fergus McFadden [For Payne, 72′] – 6
Had a hand in Heaslip’s wonder try during an earlier temporary introduction, the Leinster man is a safe pair of hands. Always a worth his try.
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