IRELAND RATINGS

RÚAIDHRÍ O’CONNOR

7 ROB KEARNEY

Might have had a try but for the poor positioning of the referee but can be satisfied with another fine day at the office on his 80th cap.

8 BUNDEE AKI

His best outing in green to date, thoroughly enjoyed the freedom the Italian defence afforded him as he scored his first Irish try.

8 CONOR MURRAY

Now an international lineout jumper. Brings so much to the table, mixing the nuts and bolts of scrum-half play with so much more. Took his try well and Ireland missed him when he went off.

8 ANDREW PORTER

Replaced Tadhg Furlong and put in a remarkable 77-minute shift for someone so young. Carried hard in an all-action display and may play a bigger role in weeks to come.

8 PETER O’MAHONY

Saw plenty of action and looked like he enjoyed the freedom afforded by Italy. Threw a few nice passes out of contact, carried loads and went the 80 minutes.

8 KEITH EARLS

Centre doesn’t really suit him, but he showed once again that he is in flying form, adding another try to his total and finishing with a brilliant covering tackle.

8 JACOB STOCKDALE

If he was struggling after coming off early in Paris, this was the perfect tonic as he ran in two tries and generally enjoyed himself. Bigger tests to come.

8 JACK McGRATH

Looks to have benefited from playing fewer games this season and, having been third choice in November, has brought a sense of having a point to prove to spring. Ireland are the better for it.

7 IAIN HENDERSON

Showing real growth with his handling and becoming an increasingly important member of the play-making department. Decision to replace him at half-time was tactical.

8 DAN LEAVY

Schmidt singled him out for a missed tackle, but overall he was very good. Turnover led to Earls’ all-important try, while his carrying was a thorn in the visiting team’s side.

7 ROBBIE HENSHAW

Was thoroughly enjoying his outing until fate cruelly intervened. His abrasive defensive attributes and strong attacking running will be sorely missed.

7 JOHNNY SEXTON

Brought his usual composed decisionmaking to the party and while he never hit the heights of Paris, he didn’t need to before being wrapped in cotton wool for the remaining games.

7 RORY BEST

A solid, hard-working shift that was rewarded with a ninth international try. Far more prominent than he was in Paris and can be happy with his contribution.

7 DEVIN TONER

In a battle for the jersey and is operating with a very different skill-set to that of his rival James Ryan. Still offers so much around set-piece and contributed plenty around the pitch.

7 JACK CONAN

Looked to be enjoying his outing but a “dunt” on his shoulder meant he was withdrawn at half-time. Ran a lovely line to create Murray’s try and played well.