How Ireland rated:  Lowe back to his best, Porter immovable, dependable Keenan

Finlay Bealham did all that he could to put pressure on Tadhg Furlong for the starting tighthead shirt with a dominant display.

HOW IRELAND RATED: Ireland's James Lowe and Italy's Tommaso Menoncello. Pic:INPHO/Ben Brady

15 – Hugo Keenan: So vital to Ireland’s game, ever-dependable at the rear, ever-alert in attack as shown by his tap-and-go that eventually yielded the opening try for Jack Crowley. Lovely lines run, angles cut, shifting defences, a man on top of his game. 9 

14 – Calvin Nash: There was the occasional blooper such as the dead-ball hoof but the errors were offset by Nash’s relish for the contest, looking for work and involvement. His patience and awareness paid off with his late try, aggressive right through the tackle to score. 8