Classy Ireland are serious contenders, says Kirwan

Italy 13 Ireland 37

Italian coach John Kirwan, the former All Black, noted the display and warned France, Wales and England to beware as Eddie O'Sullivan's team charged to an unprecedented eighth consecutive victory.

There were occasional worrying moments in this game, most notably in the frantic opening exchanges, but in a six-day spell Ireland have hit the ground running in a serious quest for an elusive Six Nations prize, be that the Triple Crown, the title or even the Grand Slam.