Following Ireland’s 36-0 win over Italy, here are five takeaways from Sunday’s Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
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Ireland produced yet another masterclass in total rugby against Italy in what was little more than a training session for Andy Farrell’s side.
Trys by Jack Crowley (7′), Dan Sheehan (23′) (49′), Jack Conan (36′), James Rowe (61′) and Calvin Nash (77′) were scored by players with the ball in their hands. Apart from Crawley’s poor performance off the tee and a few tries being disallowed, which showed just how good Ireland were, the Azzurri struggled to get a foothold in the match. The scoreline could have been even more dire.
A word must be given to the Irish defense who held Italy scoreless for the first time in a Six Nations match, with Rowe winning the Player of the Match award for his impressive all-round performance. It’s a testament to the overwhelming pressure brought on by loose forwards and rushes. The defense was on display during a gorgeous 80 minutes on the green.
A near-perfect set-piece and a deep dive into the options available to Ireland, it was a performance that would have excited the Irish coaching staff and given them plenty to think about in terms of the depth of the squad. .
Merciless
The heart of Ireland’s victory was the speed of the ruck ball. Italy opted not to field any men and instead chose to spread out their main defenders, resulting in Ireland’s half-backs being at a disadvantage in terms of possession and speed of the ball.
Their ability to create many options with cutback passes and provide attacking options on either side of the ball carrier allowed them to consistently create multiple threats while always maintaining numerical superiority.
Their confidence with the ball in their hands is quite remarkable, with great courage to play a space-based game wherever they are on the pitch. This is a team-based trait, and even front-row forwards like Andrew Porter and the outstanding Finlay Bealham are comfortable enough on the ball to play cut-backs to an eager and strong backline, You can miss a pass.
Crowley is developing into a great Test 10, and while he hasn’t been fully tested yet in close games, at Test level anyway, his composure and ability to bring power runners into the channels from short passes is quite extraordinary. It is something. Working with center Robbie Henshaw caused Italy no end of problems, but a strong Lions 13 were at the center of all the good that Farrell’s men produced as Farrell once again had a memorable game. It was there.
The rise of set pieces
One might wish that there was just a modicum of consolation for Italy, as Ireland caused havoc with the ball in their hands and running options on either side, but their set-pieces were limited to scrum time and Fully reamed in both lineouts.
Italy lost six of their own throws as Ireland, who boasted five main lineout options, found themselves once again in numerical disparity in the number of catchers they had in their arsenal and simply threw everyone in the competition. Ta. Against the fluid Irish players, Italy could not hold their own by providing mainly static jumps, but on a day when the Azzurri only succeeded in 55%, the hosts were willing to give Italian jumps a try. It was said that he almost manipulated her.
The scrum wasn’t that good either. Porter, who has come under intense scrutiny for perceived illegality under pressure, has been more honest in his setup and driving, and has had a better day at the office. At the other end of the scrum, Bealham has proven to be far ahead of the great Tadhg Furlong in terms of first-choice selection, and with some good judges this season, he is by far the best of the two. It is no exaggeration to say that he is an excellent scrummer. The Dark Arts trait suggests that his extra height over a furlong allows him to work better in engagements with the giant Sheehan.
Italy was rewarded a little more for being on the bench, but by then it was too late. Ireland’s record of 12 ‘turnovers’ in scrums and lineouts once again demonstrated the integrity of this Irish team.
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exploration of depth
Farrell is learning a lot about the reserves at his disposal. Already this season we have seen Crawley continue where Johnny Sexton left off, and the young ten look as if they are following a manner born from a Test rugby perspective.
We’ve already mentioned Bealum, but Ireland’s back-five stock in the pack is at new heights. James Ryan was a shoe-in player for the Lions six months ago, but the quality of Joe McCarthy could see him relegated to a bench option when Ireland select their first 15.
Eight-year-old Conan gave a masterclass from the base, reminding us that he’s one of the world’s toughest and most direct couriers, while on the blindside Ryan Baird once again stars as current Captain Peter・He gave the same performance as Oh. Mahoney looks over his shoulder regarding the selection.
In the backline, Jamison Gibson-Park came on, building on the excellence shown by Craig Casey, and even the almost forgotten Stuart McCloskey, who scored Ireland’s last try in the backline, with a young It was a huge day for the winger. The Irish midfield reminded the selectors that they are always available for work if required.
The question now is how Farrell will squeeze all this talent into the 23rd Test match, and some players could be disappointed when the team to face Wales is announced in 10 days. is certain.
italy’s plight
It’s hard to think of anything that went well for Italy, or a time when they were able to pull together a period of sustained pressure.
They may be reasonably happy with the way their scrambling defense reacted to waves of Irish runners, but it’s safe to say that had they not worked as hard on this front, the scoreline would probably have been much worse. do not have. However, the reason their primary and secondary defense had so much work to do was the fact that Italy had completely given up the challenge at ruck time, which meant they were always trailing in defence. It was a tactic.
With an incredibly talented backline, Italy must find a way to feed their careers. That means overhauling the tight five to ensure they can get some possession and use it. In addition to that, they must find a way to exit well under pressure into positions on the pitch where they can gain some foothold.
Just like against Wales yesterday, the speed of Ireland’s blitz line is unfettered by rucks and breakdown challenges, crabbing the Azzurri halfbacks deeper and deeper, and even clearing box kicks is indisputable. I made it. Creating a meter that can be legally challenged.
Italy have a lot to offer in their three-quarters and back three, but until their forwards thrive in close exchanges and set-pieces, as they did against England in Rome last week, it’s important to note that these players aren’t as good as they should be. It is unlikely that this performance will be achieved. Undoubted potential.
read more: Italian player evaluation: Terrible Azzurri, crushing defeat against Ireland