Ireland player ratings versus Italy
Ireland picked up their second win of the Natwest 6 Nations with a comprehensive 56-19 win over Italy.
A win for Joe Schmidt’s side never looked in doubt with Ireland scoring four tries in the first half, with the same number again in the second. Robbie Henshaw and Jacob Stockdale both scored twice. The disappointment for Joe Schmidt will be three tries conceded in the second half, with the game becoming more open.
Injuries to Tadgh Furlong and Henshaw are a concern ahead of what will be a much sterner test against Wales in two weeks.
A superb performance from @IrishRugby…#IREvITA#NatWest6Nations pic.twitter.com/eXGH7g8Det
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 10, 2018
15. Rob Kearney – 5
A quiet game from the Ireland full back, more involved in the first half from an attacking perspective but faded after that.
14. Keith Earls – 9
Earls has been in fine form for Munster and he took that into this contest. Came off his wing on several occasions and was a lively threat. He finished off a fine break from Bundee Aki to score a try in the 36th minute. Moved into the centre when Henshaw went off injured. Showed huge desire and wonderful pace to track back and tackle Mattia Bellini in the 80th minute, when the Italian looked a certainty to score.
13. Robbie Henshaw – 8
An excellent start to the game, making a few notable breaks. Scored Ireland’s opening try crashing over next to the posts. Scooped up a loose Sergio Parisse pass early in the second half and raced in from 30 metres. He landed awkwardly while trying to fend off a tackle and picked up a shoulder injury in the process, going off in a sling. Ireland missed him defensively after that.
12. Bundee Aki – 8
New Zealand born Aki carried plenty of ball in Ireland’s win over France and it was the same again here in Dublin. He recovered from a few early spills to barge over in 21st minute, for his first international try. Set up Ireland’s fourth try with an excellent break after spotting a mismatch, giving Keith Earls a run-in.
11. Jacob Stockdale – 7
Four tries in five appearances before this one and eager to add to his tally. Had a shaky opening half, a clearance from his 22 failed to make touch and also gave away a penalty in the 39th minute after getting isolated. He improved in the second half, scoring on the hour mark. The Ulster winger showed good poise for an intercept try in the 70th minute, picking up Tommaso Castello’s loose ball, racing in from his own half – he demonstrated electric pace to beat Jayden Hayward on the outside.
10. Johnny Sexton – 7
Faultless kicking display from the tee in the first half, including two conversions from tight to the right and left touchlines. Overcooked a grubber kick for Earls in the 31st minute, with the ball going dead. His trademark looping runs were plentiful, which helped open up the Italian defence. He was replaced by Joey Carbury in the 51st minute and Ireland lacked direction after that.
9. Conor Murray – 8
Another energetic performance from Ireland’s scrum half and a try scorer in the 14th minute. Dictated the pace of the game and he was missed when he was replaced by Kieran Marmion, with Ireland losing a measure of control.
1. Jack McGrath – 6
Preferred to Cian Healy for this one and did nothing wrong. Had a few carries and faultless at scrum time. Replaced in 68th minute by Healy.
2. Rory Best – 7
Lineout functioned without any problems. At the tail of a rolling maul to muscle his way over for a second half try. Replaced by Sean Cronin in the 61st minute.
3. Tadhg Furlong N/A
Went off in the fourth minute with a hamstring injury, replaced by his Leinster clubmate Andrew Porter .
4. Iain Henderson – 6
Carried plenty of ball in the first half, solid but not spectacular. Substituted at half-time by Quinn Roux.
5. Devin Toner – 5
Lost his place to James Ryan for the France game. Did little to suggest he should maintain the jersey for the Wales game.
6. Peter O’Mahoney – 6
His usual industrious self, making himself a nuisance whenever Italy managed to gain possession.
7. Dan Leavy – 6
With Josh van der Flier out for the rest of the season, this was Leavy’s chance to make his mark from the start. He provided the key turnover for Ireland’s fourth try. Looked sluggish as he tried to reach Tomasso Castello, when the Italian’s break set up their first try.
8. Jack Conan – 5
His first ever 6 Nations start and brought in to give CJ Stander a break. A try assist for Conor Murray, but apart from that he failed to leave an impression. A shoulder injury saw him replaced at the break.
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin – 5
A lively hooker in the loose, but he didn’t get a chance to showcase this in his 20 minutes on the pitch.
17. Cian Healy – 5
A 68th minute substitute for Jack McGrath. Too little time to make an impression.
18. Andrew Porter – 7
Came far earlier than expected, because of a 4th minute injury to Furlong. Stood up to the test from the Italian front row at scrum time and also carried well, can be pleased with his performance.
19. Quinn Roux – 5
A half-time substitute for Iain Henderson. Not a notable game from the Connacht man, but did little wrong either.
20. CJ Stander – 6
His usual tireless workrate when he came on in the second half for the injured Jack Conan.
21. Kieran Marmion – 5
Replaced Conor Murray in the 51st minute. The game became far too open after that and he failed to take it by the scruff of the neck
22. Joey Carbery – 5
Slotted over all three conversions that he faced. Tried to force things and it didn’t always come off, Keith Earls won’t thank him for a pass which saw him throttled by two Italians deep in his own 22.
23. Jordan Larmour – 5
Came up too fast in defence and missed a tackle on Matteo Minozzi in the build up to Italy’s second try. Failed to stop Italy’s third try either, his defensive positioning was too narrow and was beaten in the corner by Minozzi again. He did show flickers of his dancing feet late on, cutting through the Italian defence in the final minute.
Joe Schmidt reveals extent of Henshaw and Furlong injuries
Bundee Aki speaks after scoring his first international try for Ireland
Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to comments