Ireland player ratings: McCarthy and Sheehan shine in Aviva rout

Hugo Keenan – Classy as always from Ireland’s full-back who seemed to glide across the pitch with ball in hand. His latest injury becomes a huge concern. 8

Calvin Nash – Second try in as many games but, before that late score, had to go looking for work with not much came his way organically. 6

Robbie Henshaw – Pinged at the breakdown in the opening minutes but it was a rare misstep. For the second week in a row, picked both good lines and options. 8

Stuart McCloskey – Typically industrious from the Ulster centre who will have surprised some with his passing. Always offered himself in attack and contributed defensively too. 8

James Lowe – Offered a real physical edge in his performance and now really does look like a complete winger. Rewarded with his side’s fifth try too. 8

Jack Crowley – Some lovely touches in the build-up to his own score that sent Ireland on their way and you could tell confidence was coursing through his veins. 7

Craig Casey – Got 72 minutes to press his claim. Better after the break but probably didn’t do enough to upset the established pecking order for Wales in a fortnight. 6

Andrew Porter – Drew plenty of focus at the scrum against France following World Cup quarter-final travails but, one early free-kick aside, had the Italians in reverse gear. 7

Dan Sheehan – Applied the finishing touches to two scores, making one look more straightforward than the other. Italians didn’t really compete but line-out was flawless too. 8

Finlay Bealham – The Connacht man again was coming into the side in place of Tadhg Furlong and continues to impress at scrum time when deputising for his illustrious colleague. 7

Joe McCarthy – After his star turn a week ago, McCarthy was again in destructive form with the towering lock providing a near-constant thorn in the Italian side. 8

James Ryan – Restored to the starting line-up, the Leinster lock was busy if a little understated during his hour-long stint before making way for Henderson. 6

Ryan Baird – Got up well to disrupt the Italians out of touch and displayed his rare blend of pace and power with one gallop up the field. 7

Caelan Doris – The stand-in skipper had some eye-catching moments, especially close to the gain-line with ball in hand. Still looks more impactful at eight. 7

Jack Conan – Hard man to stop in close quarters and finished well for his side’s third try just before half-time. Enjoyed what is becoming a rare start. 8

Replacements: While the game was over by the time they entered, arrival of the bench coincided with a scrappy period and some ill-discipline. 6

Andy Farrell: His Ireland haven’t always looked fluid with so many changes but clearly read the room well and picked a team with more than enough to do the job. 7

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