Movers and shakers: How Ireland hopefuls with a point to prove performed

The Munster-made half-back pivot of Crowley and Casey performed admirably. 

JOB DONE: Ireland's Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley, Ryan Baird and Joe McCarthy celebrate after the game. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Jimmy O’Brien: Only lasted 40 minutes due to a shoulder issue, and didn’t have to do much fancy or extraordinary, but the uber-versatile O’Brien oozed calm and presence at full-back and looks a natural deputy for Hugo Keenan in the back field.

Keith Earls: Battling for one of the last of the back three spots, the Munster veteran came in off his wing looking for work and almost created a try for O’Brien with a grubber, but should have done better in tackling Tommaso Menoncello for Italy’s second try. One away from his hundredth cap.