Player Ratings | Ireland put Italy to the sword at the weekend in 50-point win

IRELAND were the dominant side from the offset in picking up the bonus point in the Sunday afternoon game.

The opening fifteen minutes of the game gave the impression that it could have been a cagey tight affair with Ireland scoring an early try through Joey Carbery but being held out thereafter.

A dodgy challenge on Dan Sheehan meant Italian hooker Hame Faiva see red, with an unusual rule in rugby forcing the Italians to go to uncontested scrums but they had to drop another player for this so the Italians played with 13 men.

That ended the competitive nature of the game with Ireland crossing the whitewash seven more times in the remainder of the contest to secure the five points on offer in a 57-6 victory.

Check out the player ratings below.

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Player Ratings:

  1. Andrew Porter – 6

Had a brave performance but picked up a small injury. An update awaits on the verdict of his injury but has a lot to be happy with throughout the game.

2. Dan Sheehan – 9

Seized the opportunity given to him in the day. Had a huge input in Carbery’s try while his throwing was immense all day.

3. Tadhg Furlong – 8

Seemed to be the key in Irelands pack at the weekend showing how good he is at passing play. Didn’t seem to exert too much energy in a one sided affair.

4. Tadhg Beirne – 8

Carried very well all day and was inspirational at times when Ireland began to lull in attack. Hard to see Henderson getting in in front of him for England.

5 February 2022; Tadhg Beirne of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

5. Ryan Baird – 6.5

Still maturing into this level of rugby but looks like he can fit the Irish squad well in a couple years time. Took his try well, capatalizing on slow Italian play.

6. Peter O’Mahony (C) – 8

O’Mahony has been a leader for the team for so long and his presence in the squad was felt throughout the game. Took his try very well and kept his team focused when the game was losing it’s tempo.

2020 Guinness Six Nations Championship Round 3, Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, England, UK 23/2/2020
England vs Ireland
Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony attempts to touch the ball down
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

7. Josh Van der Flier – 8.5

Has set his high work rate as a precedent for himself and looks to never have a game below this standard. His ball carrying was immense all day.

8. Caelan Doris – 7.5

Managed to find himself everywhere that was useful around around the pitch. A real centre point for the team, slotting in well at number eight.

9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 7

Took his try very well. Managed the pace of the game expertly and looks to be a good threat going forward t every opportunity.

10. Joey Carbery – 7

Opened the scoring for the men in green. Had a field day when the Italians were down to thirteen men. Can he be the replacement we’ve been looking for after Sexton’s retired?

21 November 2021; Joey Carbery of Ireland kicks a conversion, following his side’s fourth try scrored by team-mate Josh van der Flier, during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and Argentina at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

11. James Lowe – 7.5

Played with an aura of freedom about him. Always kept the teams best interests in mind throughout the game and linked up well with Lowry. Coped very well with the onslaught of Italian kicks.

12. Robbie Henshaw – 7

Looked like he enjoyed the game a lot. Was well able to impose his physical dominance on the Italians. Nine ball caries and six tackles is not something you can complain about from a centre!

13. Garry Ringrose – 8

Ringrose is becoming Irelands biggest star at the moment. His footwork and passing is next to perfect. Had a brilliant pass to his captain for the bonus point try.

14. Mack Hansen – 7

Is well able to withstand the aerial battles and was given the freedom to do what he wanted in the game. Lacked a bit of positioning at times, but all learning curves on his third cap.

15. Michael Lowry – 8

A dream start for the Ulster man scoring two tries and creating the same. Fitted the Irish system very well and has electric pace to offer also. Will be looking to make the matchday squad for England.

Replacements- 8

Craig Casey and Johnny Sexton maintained the tempo set by Carbery and Gibson Park while looking flashy on the ball. Kieran Treadwell scored a nice try at the end.

But hard to rate the replacements otherwise playing against a fatigued 13 man Italy.

The post Player Ratings | Ireland put Italy to the sword at the weekend in 50-point win appeared first on Sporting Limerick.

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