Ireland continued their impressive start to the 2024 Six Nations this afternoon, running in six tries as they defeated Italy on a 36-0 scoreline at the Aviva Stadium.
While Andy Farrell's side were not at their brilliant best for much of the contest, it was still an incredibly comfortable day at the office. They completely nullified the Italian attack, keeping them scoreless in the Six Nations for the first time.
When it came to their own offensive performance, they scored a number of excellent tries to go along with a few close misses.
With this result keeping Ireland's quest for a second consecutive Grand Slam on track, here's how we rated the performances on the day.
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Ireland player ratings vs Italy in Six Nations win
15. Hugo Keenan – 8/10
Always seems to make the right decision as he was electric when he got on the ball. Always looking for ways into the game with some good positioning in the backfield and quick thinking.
Left the field injured which will be Ireland’s only concern.
14. Calvin Nash – 7/10
Worked hard in the attack system and always tried to get involved on and off his wing. Showed his finishing skills with a well-taken try late in the game.
Got a bit too lateral at times that he won’t get away with against better opposition.
☘️ A final flourish for @IrishRugby through the hands of Calvin Nash 🤩#GuinnessM6N #IREITA pic.twitter.com/UXre9nYgpt
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 11, 2024
13. Robbie Henshaw – 7/10
Backed up last week’s performance and looks back to his best in another good outing. Showed some good touches in attack. Again looked very comfortable in defence but in truth was never really tested.
12. Stuart McCloskey – 8/10
Looked off the pace in the opening period but settled into the game with some strong ball carries and a good defensive shift. Was very good when he was on the ball.
A brilliant pass to put Lowe clear for his try and offload before Nash’s try. Seven tackles and 19 ball carries sums up his afternoon.
11. James Lowe – 8/10
A great afternoon's work in a performance full of energy. Was heavily involved in much of Ireland’s good moments. A powerful finish for his try in the second half.
10. Jack Crowley– 7/10
Finished off a great attack for his first international try. Controlled the attack very well with great passing range & timing. Looked at ease when moved to fullback in the second half.
A mixed day with his place-kicking that needs more consistency.
💪 Jack Crowley opens the scores with his first International try for @IrishRugby 😍#GuinnessM6N #IREITA pic.twitter.com/UJ1iH63Ler
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 11, 2024
9. Craig Casey – 8/10
Got 72mins of game time as he played at a pace that suits this side. Will have given Farrell food for thought when he selects the team against Wales.
Instrumental in Ireland’s first try with a good tempo and well-timed pass to put Crowley away.
1. Andrew Porter – 7/10
Caused the Italian scrum some awful problems. Enjoyed some good ball carries in some wider space.
His post-tackle work was excellent again.
2. Dan Sheehan – 8/10
Another great performance in terms his delivery at the line-out, something that gave Ireland a great platform to attack.
Got over for Ireland’s second try with one of his trade mark wide channel ball carries and got on the end of a maul. Ended the game with a tally of seven and ten ball carries.
This was some try! The hands from Crowley and Henshaw, and the finish from Sheehan 💪 #IREvITA pic.twitter.com/AbZpRucmgZ
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 11, 2024
3. Finlay Bealham – 7/10
An impressive scrum performance by the Connacht man. Made a good few dents in the Italy defence with some direct running.
4. Joe McCarthy – 7/10
Another performance where he dominated the defence line speed and great defence reads.
Looked tired in the second half and didn’t quite have the same impact that he did before the interval.
5. James Ryan – 8/10
A performance full of energy and intelligence. Ran the line-out very well.
Eight tackles and eight ball carries.
6. Ryan Baird – 8/10
Got through a lot of work in defence in the early stages. His line-out defence was of the highest standard.
Going to be tough to keep him out of the team after this performance.
7. Caelan Doris (Capt) – 7/10
His first outing as captain and will be delighted with the result. Slightly unfamiliar with the role of an openside off set piece.
He produced nine tackles and 11 ball carries.
8. Jack Conan – 8/10
A fine performance by the big No.8, who got over for his 10th international try and Ireland’s third of the game.
Worked hard with some impressive ball carries. Fell off a few tackles which will frustrate him. Six tackles and 14 ball carries is certainly not bad going.
𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐍! 💥
Scores his 10th international try!
☘️ 19-0 🇮🇹#IREvITA | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/8r3TBGJ9Wc— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 11, 2024
Replacements
16· Ronan Kelleher – 7/10
Good impact and continued with some good line-out throws. Had to jump into a few defensive duties with five tackles.
17· Jeremy Loughman – 4/10
Limited impact off the bench as he gave away two penalties and struggled in the scrum.
18· Tom O’Toole – 5/10
Hard to see him shift the likes of Furlong or Bealham after this.
19· Iain Henderson – 6/10
A good outing off the bench and won a few line-outs when he came on.
20· Josh Van Der Flier – 7/10
Looked good when he came on with some impressive carries and counter-rucks.
21· Jamison Gibson-Park– 6/10
Nice cameo of eight minutes and just missed out on getting Ireland’s seventh try with the last play of the game.
22· Harry Byrne – 6/10
Showed some nice touches when he came on, but in truth Ireland’s attack intensity dropped in the last 20 minutes. Great conversation following Nash’s try.
23· Jordan Larmour – 6/10
Great to see him in the Six Nations again. Will be disappointed with giving away a silly penalty when he came on.
Coach– 8/10
Andy Farrell will be happy enough with the result as Ireland made it 2/2 and the job is done. Dominated every area especially set-piece. Used the bench well and another good set-piece performance.
A concern will be that the kicking options were poor on exit plays as they moved away from Lowe’s big boot, and a few poor handling errors and the penalty count was too high.
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