In the end, it was all very easy. Ireland ran eight tries and 56 points past a stagnant Italian side that still lacks any meaningful improvement. It had all the hallmarks of a successful outing. There were several exciting performances by young, developing players while it was a welcomed opportunity to Ireland to score their first try of the tournament.
But make no mistake, Ireland will rage at two key factors, which are actually related. Firstly, Tadhg Furlong and Robbie Henshaw both suffered injuries. Schmidt confirmed that Furlong's withdrawal was precautionary but Henshaw's injury looks more long term.
Henshaw's withdrawal demonstrated Irish rugby's huge reliance on him defensively. They become slow and disjointed, the line speed Andy Farrell so hugely prioritises evaporated and basic one-on-one tackles were missed.
When asked after the game was he frustrated with the tries Ireland conceded, Schmidt instantly responded: 'Yes, hugely.'
After the game, Ronan O'Gara was adamant that Ireland would be 'fuming' reflecting on the 19 points they conceded.
No defensive structure is efficient enough to compensate for individual errors. Since Joe Schmidt was appointed Irish coach Ireland have developed a very definite defensive strategy, based on quick line speed and strong pillars. Les Kiss developed this to include shooters outside, which would see centres try and make a 'read' so that the defensive line almost represented a swinging gate.
Farrell replaced Kiss and initially, Ireland struggled, conceding an average of 3 tries across his first nine games. Eventually, issues with narrowness were ironed out, but the defensive performance against Scotland in last year's Six Nations will still haunt the Irish coaching ticket.
This is precisely what O'Gara is getting at when he says you can't compensate for these lapses due to fatigue or disinterest. It is apart of a system. Ireland once again conceded three tries as they lacked the 'love' of defensive efforts that Farrell repeatedly references.
With games against Wales, Scotland and England beckoning, the Irish defense cannot afford any more margins for error. When pressure is applied the attacking gameplan can tend to withdraw into itself. A similar approach in defense would be disastrous.
It was a good result. But as for the defensive performance, for a man as meticulous as Joe Schmidt, it will not have been satisfactory.
