Active Irish possession largest enjoyed by any team: The statistical breakdown

Seven tries scored, one conceded. A convincing Ireland win over an Italian side who are better than their Six Nations record this season suggest.

From the off it was apparent Ireland would not be kicking the cover off the ball as they had done in their previous home match against Wales.

The opening passages of play had been instructive; from the visitors’ kick off no Italian had active possession of the ball before Jonathan Sexton scored Ireland’s first try on six minutes. Ireland kicked in play just 19 times against Italy, having averaged 28 per game through their first three matches.