Ireland ran out 20-13 winners over Italy
Ireland’s Robert Baloucoune celebrates scoring his sides third try of the match with Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe(Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady)
Jamie Osborne – Excellent under the high ball, well timed run off McCloskey’s shoulder for his first quarter try. 8
Robert Baloucoune – Electric early linebreak, another on the quarter-hour and starting with a deal to do, beat two to score. 9
Garry Ringrose – Given a tough time by his opposite number Menoncello but persevered. One of his better defensive outings. 7
Stuart McCloskey – Magical offload created Osborne’s try, American rugby quarterback pass set up Balacounne’s. 8
James Lowe – Super second minute chase and catch a reminder of why he is back in the team, carrying for an impressive 55m in first-half. 7
Sam Prendergast – Tough day, missed easy and relatively easy conversion, some misjudged passing too. four missed tackles. 6
Craig Casey – Stringer-esque tap tackle on Pani saved first-half try. Deemed upright for his yellow/red, kept at yellow. 7
Jeremy Loughman – Given a harder time at the scrum than against France, three carries, four tackles, no misses. 6
Dan Sheehan – Eight minute tap-penalty? It is illegal to jump a tackle Dan. Taken in early for Kelleher. 6
Thomas Clarkson – Wins penalty as first scrum but troubles apparent as half progressed. Nine tackles, subbed at the break. 6
Joe McCarthy – Six carries for 12 metres, Five tackles and two misses, replaced by Beirne after 51 mins. 6
James Ryan – Continued in his Stade de France powerhouse form, it’s been a welcome, dynamic return to form. 7
Cormac Izuchukwu – Straight in as Ireland’s first-choice lineout operator, brilliant early second-half steal, quality performance. 7
Caelan Doris – Doesn’t look as comfortable at open-side, not least as the day called for chasing down centres and . 6
Jack Conan – Burrowed over early in the second-half, very much the score that changed the game’s momentum. 7
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher 5, Tom O’Toole 5, Tadhg Furlong 6, Edwin Edogbo n/a, Tadhg Beirne 6, Nick Timoney 5, Jamison Gibson-Park 7, Jack Crowley 7.
Italy: Lorenzo Pani 7; Louis Lynagh 6, Tommaso Menoncello 6, Leonardo Marin 6, Monty Ioane 6; Paolo Garbisi 7, Alessandro Fusco 7; Danilo Fischetti 7, Giacomo Nicotera 7, Simone Ferrari 7, Niccolò Cannone 6, Andrea Zambonin 7, Michele Lamaro (capt) 7, Manuel Zuliani 6, Lorenzo Cannone 6
Replacements: Tommaso Di Bartolomeo 5, Mirco Spagnolo 5, Muhamed Hasa 5, Federico Ruzza 5, Riccardo Favretto 5, David Odiase 5, Alessandro Garbisi 5, Paolo Odogwu 5