Player Ratings: Ireland (v Italy)

by Brendan Cole

Ireland stuttered in places in the 29-11 win over Italy on RBS 6 Nations opening day but some free flowing play in the first half, excellent control at half-back and a proud scrum performance were among the positives for Declan Kidney's men.

Sure, things got ugly at times and a win by 18 points was slightly lower than expected but a look at the record books confirms that it is a very good margin. Here, we rate the players and you can too.

15: Rob Kearney

Some high profile errors - that charged kick and a fluffed pass in sight of the line - but a second look showed that his support play was key when Ireland were attacking well, though he wasn't able to offload when it might have been on. Not in top form just now.

14: Tommy Bowe

Not in the game all that often - though one great chase and catch early on stood out - and was never unduly troubled. Not targetted by the Italian kicking game as Trimble was on the left but Paris will be a huge step up for both Irish wingers.

13: Brian O'Driscoll

Well marked by Canale and co for large periods of the game though flashes of quality were in evidence: the flipped pass across his body to open things up for Heaslip's try for example. Bigger stage beckons for Ireland's captain.

12: Gordon D'Arcy

Bullocking runs up the middle but also showed good calmness for Ireland's opening try; delaying his run and looking to keep the ball alive. Solid.

11: Andrew Trimble

Some exciting contributions in attack, and the game came his way a lot with Italy's kicks largely aimed towards his wing. Coped reasonably though not exceptionally with that and moments of hesitancy will have been noted by the French.

10: Ronan O'Gara

Man of the match contender. Took the ball nice and flat and missed nothing in attack, that superb pass (forward?) to Trimble showing his best attacking quality. Was also the only player good enough to consistently cut through the 'ping pong' tripe with forceful kicks.

9: Tomás O'Leary

Very good day's work. Took his try well and was improved as a threat round the fringes, was busy and organised, took good decisions, kicked well and no obvious issues with the service.

8: Jamie Heaslip

Loves getting over the line - a very useful trait - and did so to get Ireland moving early on. Control at the base of a scrum that had the odd tricky moment was good and also had some powerful carrying through the game.

7: David Wallace

Nice to see him and Heaslip linking up out wide for Ireland for the opening score - that could be a key new dimension against France - and Wallace led Ireland to a decisive victory over the Italian back-row.

6: Kevin McLaughlin

Declan Kidney wanted McLaughlin to 'be himself' and Ireland got exactly that: the blindside was 'quietly effective' to a T, keeping Ireland's play moving along at all the right moments.

5: Paul O'Connell

An excellent defensive lineout display and the usual passionate leadership of the physical effort. Also better moments around the park - handling, support and decision making - than in some matches in previous years.

4: Leo Cullen

Seized a chance to impress against ideal opposition, contributing brilliantly in the lineout and getting among the Italy from ruck to ruck. Has asked Kidney a question.

3: John Hayes

Ageing? It was hard to see any difference from this year to last in this match. As expected, Ireland did a tidy job of minimising the scrum issue and Hayes used all his experience and strength to earn Ireland a draw there. Grabbed a couple of balls in general play too.

2: Jerry Flannery

Irish lineout functioned perfectly, though Italy didn't manage to put pressure on with Bortolami on the bench for most of the game.

1: Cian Healy

Handled 'Castro' with no great difficulty, seeing him off early in the second half, and brought plenty of youthful energy to the Irish effort.

Sub: Paddy Wallace

Had dropped down the rankings a touch but restated what he can do, carrying in two hands and linking with team mates. Adds real variety to the Irish attack but is he durable enough for Paris?

Sub: Rory Best

Skewed his first lineout throw but his linkup with Wallace in midfield exhibited the open field skills that might yet secure him the starter's jersey.

Sub: Donnacha Ryan

Made an impact when he came of for O'Connell and both he and Cullen are asking questions of the senior pair at provincial and international level.