One man is subject to all the love in Ireland’s blistering first half

What an opening 40 minutes.

Ireland are currently 28-10 ahead at half time with the bonus point already secured. The performance in the first half couldn't be more different from what we witnessed in Murrayfield last weekend. Ireland are bringing an incredible level of aggression and intensity to their play which has seen them being rewarded with quick ball. By the 20th minute, Ireland had 89% possession and it is a testament to the players and their defence, that they almost immediately turned over the ball whenever the Italians were in possession. It was apparent almost immediately during this game that Ireland meant business and this was signified with Simon Zebo's incredible take in the opening minutes. He followed this with some excellent carries which has yielded a total 56 metres and included two clean line breaks. https://twitter.com/RTErugby/status/830424367624380416 Fans were glowing in their praise of his overall performance.  https://twitter.com/Quealeys/status/830429498344611840 https://twitter.com/AshMcCah/status/830429492296421376 https://twitter.com/AndrewLowth1/status/830428946722328580 https://twitter.com/nigelburke11/status/830428346324570112 His pass for Stander's try didn't go unnoticed either https://twitter.com/garforde/status/830427929058369537 https://twitter.com/jmaher92/status/830427868656259076 https://twitter.com/threeredkings/status/830427864109563904 And that take in the opening minutes https://twitter.com/tomdkeating/status/830423025925361665 https://twitter.com/Back4good07/status/830423083588661251 https://twitter.com/quiatimet/status/830422974574456832