IRELAND RATINGS

CIAN TRACEY

9 JORDAN LARMOUR

Lit up a dull contest with a sensational hattrick as well as creating another try after a searing line-break. In pole position to start against Argentina.

7 BUNDEE AKI

Did brilliantly to create Ringrose’s try but he won’t be happy with four missed tackles against weaker opposition. Remains a key part of the plan.

6 LUKE McGRATH

Like his half-back partner, struggled to provide quick ball during a messy first half. Will know that his decision-making can be much better.

8 ANDREW PORTER

Another excellent performance from a player who continues to get better every time he plays at this level. Forced a brilliant turnover penalty.

6 RHYS RUDDOCK

Carried the ball

18 times but also made a couple of uncharacteristic errors. Won’t want to see Italy’s try back as his pass was intercepted.

7 ANDREW CONWAY

Starved of possession for the majority of the game but his dominant take in the air in the lead-up to Luke McGrath’s try was a big momentum-gainer.

7 JACOB STOCKDALE

Started like a train when he made a big line break from the first kick-off but his influence faded slightly before he was called ashore.

6 JACK McGRATH

Showed up well at scrum time, although he was quiet around the pitch. Has plenty of credit in the bank but may be concerned by Kilcoyne’s showing.

9 TADHG BEIRNE

Born to perform on this stage and scored two tries on his first start. Has slotted seamlessly into Ireland’s system and is pushing hard for selection.

8 JACK CONAN

Repeatedly got Ireland on the front foot with his powerful carrying and also topped the tackle count with 17. Remains an unheralded but reliable performer.

8 GARRY RINGROSE

Became more prominent as the game went on and scored a well-worked try. Was defensively solid as he put his hand up for selection this weekend.

6 JOEY CARBERY

A mixed bag which included a sloppy pass that was intercepted as well as putting a kick out on the full. Improved in the second half.

6 NIALL SCANNELL

Disappointed to have been replaced at half-time. His lineout throwing was accurate and he scrummaged well but lacked intensity in open play.

8 QUINN ROUX

Came in for plenty of praise from Schmidt afterwards. Called the lineout well and added plenty of power at the scrum. Ferocious at the breakdown later on.

6 JOSH VAN DER FLIER

A rather subdued display from the usual all-action flanker. Struggled to have his usual big impact at the breakdown and wasn’t prominent with the ball.

8 BENCH IMPACT

Seán Cronin injected some much-needed tempo after the break and scored a try. Dave Kilcoyne can also be delighted with his contribution. John Cooney would have hoped for more game-time but looked sharp for the 15 minutes he was on, while Ross Byrne and Will Addison showed well on their international debuts.

8 JOE SCHMIDT

Gave plenty of players their chance and didn’t hesitate to look to his bench after a poor first half. May not have learned a lot against a poor Italy team.