| No. | Name | |
|---|---|---|
15Simon Zebo, FB | ||
14Andrew Trimble, W | ||
13Jared Payne, C | ||
12Robbie Henshaw, C | ||
11Keith Earls, W | ||
10Johnny Sexton, FH 3 | ||
9Conor Murray, SH | ||
1Jack McGrath, P | ||
2Rory Best, H | ||
3Mike Ross, P | ||
4Donnacha Ryan, L | ||
5Devin Toner, L | ||
6CJ Stander, FL | ||
7Josh van der Flier, FL | ||
8Jamie Heaslip, N8 2 | ||
| Replacements | ||
16Sean Cronin, R | ||
17Finlay Bealham, R | ||
18Nathan White, R | ||
19Ultan Dillane, R | ||
20Rhys Ruddock, R | ||
21Kieran Marmion, R | ||
22Ian Madigan, R 2 | ||
23Fergus McFadden, R | ||
IRE
ITALY*Players currently on the pitch are shown in bold
Match Commentary
"Well, what a difference 80 minutes can make. Ireland have trounced Italy and any murmurs of head coach Joe Schmidt's selection have seemingly disappeared. In truth, the Azzurri were awful for the majority and made it easy for the Irish to regain some much-needed confidence on the ball. That rip-roaring attack was back in style as Ireland put nine tries away -- and probably should have had a few more. St Patrick's Day will no doubt be a delight on Thursday -- next week's opponents Scotland may well be shaking in their boots. "
Good work from Ireland -- and in particular Madigan -- but it's McFadden who splits the Italian line and runs home. Italy have played well in phases, but really can't defend.
Italy have battled well during the past few moments and they've got their rewards. Great, long pass from the scrumhalf finds Sarto down the right flank who is in acres of room and has the easy job of guiding it home.
Wave after wave of Irish attack. Madigan this time the one to add the extra points. Nice footwork from the replacement to split the Italian defence down the left flank.
Cronin again shows his pace and splits the Italian line, sprints 30 or so metres before offloading right. A couple more ball carries from Irish players and it's not long before Toner is putting the ball on the ground, supposedly. TMO is required and it's not been given. Scrum now.
And they've hit back with one of their own. Italy are awarded the penalty, Padovani takes it quickly, bashes his way to the tryline but Odiete's required to slot the ball down. Ireland's concentration slipped for a second and they've been punished.
Just as I was about to type that the scrum's settled proceedings, Sean Cronin -- who has only just come -- has great pace for a hooker and has split the Italian line and joined the try-scoring club. Italy just falling apart now.
Ireland forced the lineout from 5m, worked it well inside and Heaslip was the scorer, just under the posts!
Easy. Payne intercepts the second Italian pass off the scrum is away with it. So poor from the Azzurri.
"On a beautifully sunny day in Dublin, there could well be cause for a party. Ireland have stunned Italy with some fluent, slick passing after almost being shellshocked in the opening two minutes. If only the Azzurri had been quicker with their passing, Gonzalo Garcia may have crashed over in time. Instead, Ireland have run riot with Andrew Trimble, Jack McGrath, CJ Stander and Jamie Heaslip -- the last possibly the try of the tournament from their own 20m line -- all dotting down to lift the spirits around the Aviva Stadium. Joe Schmidt's team selection heavily verified from Ireland's best half of the Six Nations so far - not even wayward kicking from Sexton has dampened the atmosphere. "
WHAT A TRY. Let me just catch my breathe and I'll somehow try to explain how good that was...
Sexton's magical hands paves the way for Ireland to nail home another try. Trimble and Earls heavily involved down the right flank, but it's CJ Stander who polishes off Sexton's work down the right.
Scrum works well for the Irish and after a couple of simple ball carries from the pack, McGrath is the man to guide the ball over the line. TMO is required, but nothing changes, Ireland have the extra five points.
First opportunity, first try. Sarto tries a cheeky basketball-style pass back to his teammate but fluffs it into Irish hands. Easy couple of passes and Ireland have the first five points.
First line-out goes Italy's way along half way.
STARTING XV's
Ireland: Zebo, Trimble, Payne, Henshaw, Earls, Sexton, Murray; McGrath, Best, Ford, Ryan, Toner, Stander, van der Flier, Heaslip.
Replacements: Cronin, Bealham, White, Dillane, Ruddock, Marmion, Madigan, McFadden.
Italy: Odiete, L. Sarto, Campagnaro, Garcia, Bellini, Padovani, Palazzini; Lovotti, Giazzon, Chistolini, Biagi, Fuser, Minto, Zanni, Parisse (captain).
Replacements: Fabiani, Zanusso, Ceccarelli, Geldenhuys, Steyn, Lucchese, Haimona, McLean.
Ireland and Italy go into the fourth round of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations as the only two teams without a win while Italy, look destined for the wooden spoon once again. For both nations, the face-off at the Aviva Stadium is all about regaining some pride.
Hello and welcome to ESPN's live coverage of the Six Nations clash between Ireland and Italy!