Ireland player ratings vs Italy | 2023 Summer Nations Series
Ireland player ratings: It was an odd match really, with only one winner possible even when the scoreline suggested a tighter affair. The game – and Ireland for that matter – never quite found their flow and the rugby on display didn’t stir the soul of a bored Aviva Stadium crowd that spent much of the match chatting amongst itself.
In the end, a scrappy Ireland came away with a relatively comfortable win, even if the 33-17 scoreline didn’t quite reflect their dominance. Here we rate the Irish players:
15. Jimmy O’Brien – 7
A very impressive first half from O’Brien who kicked well and looked to create with ball-in-hand rather than simply cede back possession to kick a happy Italian outfit. Replaced by Frawley after the break.
14. Keith Earls – 5
The 35-year-old veteran of the Irish backline nearly set up O’Brien with a clever dink through in the first half. Wasn’t terribly involved after that and needs to show he can be a credible threat and not just a reliable cog in the machine.
13. Robbie Henshaw – 5.5
A weighty if not particularly noteworthy first-half from Henshaw, with tackle duty his primary concern. A few solid carries but nothing outrageous.
12. Stuart McCloskey – 6
Bulldozed his way over just before halftime after finding himself are the back of a turned-over ruck and proved a popular try-scorer among his peers.
11. Jacob Stockdale – 5.5
It’s no secret, Stockdale needs a big August if he is to crack Ireland’s 33. Got plenty of ball in the first half, carrying strongly in contact, if not ever breaking the blue line. His brilliant take of a high ball in the 20th minute nearly resulted in a try for O’Brien. Tried his heart out all evening but let himself down with an awful attempt at a tackle on Lorenzo Pani, the smaller winger batting him away with little effort.
10. Jack Crowley – 6.5
Had plenty of kick tennis to endure with Italians putting boot to ball often in this encounter. Linked up well with McCloskey on his inside. Lost the ball in contact a few times when bringing to the line, but otherwise solid.
9. Craig Casey – 7.5
A bright start from Casey who provided a snappy and accurate service. Had a sofa ride from his forwards but looked sharp as hell.
1. David Kilcoyne – 7.5
Entered the game knowing his spot on the plane was more less guaranteed, but needing to up his ante if he is to displace Cian Healy as Ireland’s second-choice loosehead. Burrowed over for a try after 12 minutes just to remind Farrell and co of his considerable worth.
2. Rob Herring – 6
An impressive outing from a very solid operator, with Ireland’s lineout functioning well.
3. Tom O’Toole – 6
The Drogheda-born tighthead had a solid outing, holding his own in the scrums and showcasing his physicality in open play. Played his part well in the front-row battles.
4. Iain Henderson – 7.5
Leading from the front, the Ulsterman had a decent gallop up the park only to spill the ball, admittedly in greasy conditions. Other than that he was pretty much an indomitable force in the Irish pack.
5. Joe McCarthy – 6
There’s plenty of high praise coming out of the Ireland camp about the rookie lock, who won his first Ireland start here. Made his presence felt in the physicality stakes but you’d have liked to see him shine more here if he is to grab a place on the plane to France.
6. Ryan Baird – 6
The athletic flanker was a force to be reckoned with, making some bone-crunching tackles, providing a dynamic presence in Ireland’s back row even if there were no highlight-reel moments for Youtube here.
7. Caelan Doris – 7.5
Dove over the line off an Irish catch and drive in the 29th minute and grabbed a second in the 72nd minute to seal Ireland’s win. Was a menace at the breakdown and was maybe Ireland’s premier threat as a strike runner.
8. Jack Conan – 6
The in-form No.8 put in a few carries and hits before he worryingly came off before halftime to be replaced by Cian Prendergast.
Replacements – 6
The replacements made some competent contributions to the team effort, Cian Prendergast especially standing out. Tadhg Beirne brought his usual energy and aggression, while Caolin Blade gave a good account of himself when he came on for Casey. Cian Healy came on and scored try in the 65th minute, while Tadhg Furlong had a more subdued runout. The ever-versatile Ciaran Frawley kicked well.
Comments on RugbyPass
Tamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
1 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to comments