Such was the limited challenge of the Italians, Ireland's main enemy in this game proved to be the capricious, brutish nature of rugby: Ireland will be counting the cost of two major injuries. Robbie Henshaw appeared to dislocate his shoulder as he touched down for his second try, leaving his season in doubt, while Tadgh Furlong was substituted after three minutes with a hamstring injury.
Also a concern for Joe Schmidt will be the concession of a trio of soft tries to Italy long after the contest was finished, but there is much to be positive about in an eight-try, 56-19 victory.
Here are the Irish player ratings.
Rob Kearney - 7
Kearney was denied an almost certain try by the oft-mentioned Roman Poite factor - Peter O'Mahony's pass rebounding off the referee before it arrived in the full-backs hands. While maligned offensively, Kearney's hands were terrific in the lead-up to Conor Murray's early try. Overall, a solid outing.
Keith Earls - 8
Got a try, as per, and then moved to the centre in place of the injured Henshaw. Somehow had the energy to deny the Italians a certaion bonus point try in the final minute. One of Ireland's key men, although whether he will be at 13 against Wales is up for debate.
Robbie Henshaw - 8
A fabulous, two-try performance from Henshaw with a hideous ending - seemingly dislocating his shoulder as he touched down for the second try. He was escorted off needing oxygen, with his season presumably in jeopardy. Uncomfortably redolent of Alan Quinlan in Lens.
Bundee Aki - 7.5
A fine performance by Aki, although his handling was occasionally untidy. Showed customary ballast to bulldoze over for hs first Irish try, but most impressive was the step and pass to assist Keith Earls' bonus point-securing try. All of that is, however, slightly coloured by the fact that he was facing Tommaso Boni, one of the worst defensive centres the Six Nations has ever seen.
Jacob Stockdale - 8
Two tries for Stockdale on a much more enjoyable afternoon than his uncomfortable afternoon in Paris. While the first was a gimme off a pre-worked move, the second was an outstanding individual effort, showing admirable self-belief to run the length of the field on his own.
Johnny Sexton - 8
If you were ever in any doubt as to the standards Sexton sets for himself and those around him, the first-half offered a nice summary. With Ireland coasting, he sought to furtively punt a penalty across the pitch, only for Jacob Stockdale to be unaware, and he earned a bollocking for his idleness. More varied with ball from hand, Sexton was flawless off the tee and he departed for Joey Carbery on the 50-minute mark.
Conor Murray - 8
Comfortable performance from Murray, rewarded with yet another try against the Italians. His scoring against Italy has become routine, but he did garnish this game with something less frequent: jumping in the lineout in the first-half. The man can do anything. Picked up the official man of the match award.
Jack McGrath - 7.5
McGrath played with the ferocity of a man determined to reclaim his starting jersey ahead of the visit to Wales, and was given 67 minutes to do so. He was Irelands' top tackler as he trooped off.
Rory Best - 7
Fine performance from the captain. Immaculate at the line-out, and more impressive in the loose. He led the charge that led to Aki's try and got a try of his own from drive in the second-half. Much improved.
Tadhg Furlong - N/A
Left with a hamstring injury after three minutes. Uh-oh.
Iain Henderson - 7
Henderson was whipped off at half-time for Quinn Roux. He was a dominant presence throughout, and in spite of James Ryan's Parisian heroics, Henderson is Schmidt's lynchpin in the second-row.
Devin Toner - 7
The desperate limitations of the opposition may work against Toner's case to be included ahead of James Ryan against Wales, but this was a fine performance by Toner, the deep pass that led to Stockdale's try the highlight.
Peter O'Mahony - 8
A phenomenal effort from O'Mahony, who took over the captaincy when Rory Best was substituted. He was imperious in the Irish line-out and utterly tireless throughout. A perfect response to an unusually quiet outing in Paris.
Dan Leavy - 6.5
A mixed bag from Leavy. An outstanding turnover started the move that ended with Earls first-half try, although he won't enjoy the video review of this game when the tape rolls onto the first Italian try - it was Leavy who was caught napping in midfield.
Jack Conan - 8
Conan only lasted half the game, replaced by CJ Stander at half-time. It was a mightily impressive half from Conan, however. He showed lovely hands and awareness to set up Conor Murray's try, and before that had set the platform for Henshaw's opening try with a critical ruck clearout; disabusing Sergio Parisse of any hopes of a turnover. Ireland's top tackler in the first-half with six.
Replacements
Andrew Porter - 8
Very fine performance from Porter, who was introduced as Furlong's replacement in the third minute. The Irish scrum never faltered, and his work around the field was tireless, carrying 12 times. While we will sweat over Furlong, it's important to recognise Porter as among Ireland's best performers.
Quinn Roux - 6
A half-time replacement for Henderson, his performance started inauspiciously with a really poor knock-on. Grew into the game somewhat fromt here, however.
CJ Stander - 7
Stander's ball-carrying ability is amazing: although he came on at half-time, he carried 13 times: only Stockdale (14) outdid him.
Jordan Larmour - 6
An uncomfortable international debut on the wing for Larmour, who came on as a replacement for Henshaw and stood on the left-wing. He was caught napping defensively on the second and third Italian tries, and didn't get an opportunity to impress with ball in hand until the final minute, with one outrageous step a sign of things to come.
Joey Carbery - 6.5
Carbery will be better for half an hour at out-half here, and did some good things - a delightful chip in the second half and the assist for Stockdale's first try in particular. Another sloppy pass was intercepted by the Italians late on - proof that there is much still to work on.
Kieran Marmion - 6
Replaced Murray but was largely ineffective.
Sean Cronin and Cian Healy were not on long enough to be rated.
