Italian demolitions must always carry health warning for Ireland

It may be worth remembering what happened after Ireland’s last Italian job

Ireland’s Craig Casey celebrates with James Lowe at Stadio Olimpico, Rome. However, the next two weekends remain pivotal. Picture: Tommy Dickson

Italy dispatched, the team leader stepped up in front of the cameras and delivered his take on the victory with that unmistakable north of England accent so redolent of Emmerdale, Tetley Bitter and the game of rugby league on which he was weaned.

“It’s a step forward for us,” he said. “In terms of what we were after, in terms of intent, in terms of energy, in terms of how we attacked the game, I thought that was brilliant. It felt like we were back to ourselves.”