Well that was wonderful to watch wasn't it? Especially that try at the end of the first half that was quite possibly the best Irish try in the Joe Schmidt era. Ireland won easily in the end, and while there won't be much to take away from this game - players will have gained confidence, and Schmidt will have gained confidence in the new young players. We also know now that Ireland can play like that.
A lot of Irish players showed up really well throughout, but against an Italy team that gave up early on that's what you want.
REF RATING 10: Today's referee Angus Gardner was excellent displaying a lot of common sense at all times. The 31-year-old has a bright future in the game.
15. Simon Zebo 8.5
This was the game that should show Irish fans what Simon Zebo can do from full-back. He's not the finished article by any means, but it's much easier to learn what he doesn't have than what he does. Such a threat going forward.
14. Andrew Trimble 9
He started excellently, and just got better. His kick chase from the start was brilliant, and he kept popping up hungry for the ball. That work rate got him Ireland's first try, and he never stopped working. Joe Schmidt's wet dream of a winger. He was part of everything. I lost count of the amount of times where I said "Andrew Trimble's having a stormer"
13. Jared Payne 7.5
He really should have scored from half a metre out even if Ireland 36 points ahead. He was gifted a try in the second half, made three clean breaks, and nine tackles. Good outing on his return.
12. Robbie Henshaw 8
Give him space and he looks so good. Give him more space we say. Came out of the line in the first half to put a big hit on.
11. Keith Earls 8.5
I can't understate his importance for Andrew Trimble's try. Without his ruck cleanout Ireland lose the ball. Jared Payne was quite isolated, and Earls secured the ball when it looked like we might lose it.
10. Johnny Sexton 8
Sexton is fighting through all of the shots. He took two heavy hits in the first half, but kept picking himself up to orchestrate proceedings. His wonderful pass to put Keith Earls through the gap for Stander's try was a thing of beauty.
9. Conor Murray 7.5
Quick service is what we wanted, quick service is what we got. I would have liked to have seen more snipes from Murray, but you can't complain after a good shift.
1. Jack McGrath 8
Absolutely smashed the Italians in the scrum, worked hard and got himself a try. A great day at the office.
2. Rory Best 7
Best is growing as a captain. He openly asked the referee about the late hits on Sexton, and that was the biggest thing he needed to do from today.
3. Mike Ross 7
With as few scrums as there was, this wasn't a game that a tighthead is going to stand out on first viewing.
4. Donnacha Ryan 8
I've a feeling that if I look back on the game Donnacha Ryan will be even more impressive. Strong carries and making a nuisance of himself on Italian ball.
5. Devin Toner 7.5
Much improved from the previous outing against England. Lineout ran well, and was always looking to carry.
6. CJ Stander 8
A try his first three caps in international rugby deserved. What strength to make the line.
7. Josh van der Flier 8
He belongs. His support play was outstanding. He was first to the ruck after all of Ireland's breaks, and his selfless play ensured quick ball that Ireland used to devastating effect.
8. Jamie Heaslip 8
There was a moment where you though Heaslip wasn't going to make it, but he took his two tries beautifully. Support running for the first was crucial, and he even offloaded.
Replacements
16. Sean Cronin 7.5
Took his try well, and looked like he was jogging after he other line breaks. His type of game.
17. Finlay Bealham 6
Great to get a first cap in those circumstances, but this won't be the last time we see Bealham.
18. Nathan White 6
Much like with Mike Ross, coming on against a beaten team with no scrums isn't where a replacement tighthead will be seen.
19. Ultan Dillane 8
Perhaps not the impact of his debut, but Dillane featured well. Broke really well in the last minute, offloaded, and was first to the next ruck will be the highlight.
20. Rhys Ruddock 7
Carried extremely well when he came on, but his form this season deserved more gametime.
21. Kieran Marmion 7
Nice of Schmidt to give Marmion some gametime after he only accumulated 43 minutes in his previous five caps. His sixth featured a whole 20 minutes, and Marmion did really well. His service was snappy, and support play after line breaks ensured chances were there. Still reluctant to run himself with Ireland, but he's easing his way in.
22. Ian Madigan 7
It's easy to shine as an out-half when a team is beaten so badly, but no-one punishes a team better than Madigan. Took his try well, and ran the backline to even more tries.
23. Fergus McFadden 7
Proved a lot of doubters wrong. Played a key part in the fantastic Heaslip try, and showed up well in attack in his stop-start game.
