Ireland are back on track after a 57-6 demolition job on Italy, who, bizarrely, had to play for an hour with 13 men, and for the last few minutes with just 12.
The uncontested scrums after the opening quarter sucked the life out of the game.
Andy Farrell's side, however, did run in nine tries to improve their points difference but what they will have learned ahead of the match with England in a fortnight's time will have to wait for the review.
Here's how we rated the players.
Michael Lowry – 7
A couple of early touches got the debutant into the swing of things and he didn't look out of place. Used great footwork before contact and movement afterwards to make sure ball was presented cleanly. Took his two tries well and unselfishly declined an easy chance for his hat-trick to set up James Lowe for his second. Carried 10 times for 96 metres in total.
Mack Hansen - 6
Quietest of his three caps to date but the Connacht wing was his usual livewire self, coming in off his wing looking for work. Carried least of an inexperienced back three and conceded two turnovers against but otherwise was solid in defence.
Garry Ringrose - 7
A solid outing from the Leinster centre, who again carried and marshalled his defence well. Was removed for treatment to a head injury early on but returned; was also needed late on when Robbie Henshaw went off for a head injury assessment. Set up a try for Peter O'Mahony.
Robbie Henshaw - 6
Back in the starting line-up after injury and an appearance off the bench in France, the Leinster centre carried to his normal standard without ever setting the game alight. Had a poor handling error and got turned over too easily at one point. Left on 68 minutes for a HIA.
James Lowe - 7
Returned to the team following injury and notched up tries five and eight against a tiring Italy. Was very solid under the high ball and used his left boot to effect. As per usual he was eager for work off his wing. Was best of the backs with 116 metres off 15 carries. Will be better for the Twickenham clash after this 80-minute run-out. Won’t get 10 easier points in international rugby.
Joey Carbery - 7
Distributed well in what was a strange match. Was the top tackler among the backs with eight. Missed three of five conversions over his 53 minutes. Took the opening try well but may be under pressure to retain his place against England.
Jamison Gibson-Park - 7
Quick passing had Ireland on the front foot. Ran a nice support line to get over for Ireland's second try
Andrew Porter – 7
Got through lots of work in the loose, carried a couple of times and made eight tackles. Went over on his ankle early in the second half, was strapped up but Farrell decided it wasn’t worth the risk. Important that the Leinster man is fit for England.
Dan Sheehan - 7
Strong runner in the loose, nine carries for 57m, and part of a lineout unit that won 18 of 19 throws. Linked well in attack and ran good support lines. Will hold his place for the next match after a decent 70-minute outing. Was the recipient of the tackle Hame Faiva from that saw Italy reduced to 14.
Tadhg Furlong - 7
Took plenty of hard hits in between his five passes from the second-receiver berth, and then took the ball up when appropriate too. Made 22 hard yards and racked up nine tackles.
Tadhg Beirne - 7
Colourful card for the second row, who was twice penalised early on by the referee and won an important turnover too. Always in the thick of the action and recovered from an early knock to rack up 27m with ball in hand, was stopped short of the line on a couple of occasions as well.
Ryan Baird - 7
The lock, on his first Six Nations start, will have enjoyed his Sunday afternoon. Denied the bread and butter of the scrum duties, he was joint top-tackler with 12 and was well placed to pick up a try from his own block down. Will feel he did enough to hold on to a match-day place even if James Ryan and Iain Henderson both return.
Peter O’Mahony - 7
In the absence of both Johnny Sexton and James Ryan, O’Mahony’s experience was critical and he did well on both sides of the ball, including crashing over for his third international try, which secured the bonus point. Carried eight times and played out the entire match.
Josh van der Flier - 8
Another excellent display from the Wicklow wing-forward. Always in place to receive the ball and generally made yards, attacking space. Ended up with 55m with ball in hand and made 12 tackles.
Caelan Doris - 7
Preferred at number 8 ahead of Jack Conan and was the top-carrier in the forwards with 13 carries for 101m. And that was for only 55 minutes on the field. Has given Farrell food for thought for round four.
Replacements
Rob Herring (for Sheehan 68) - 6
Made a couple of lung-bursting runs but threw an intercept after a linebreak.
Dave Kilcoyne (for Porter 44) - 7
Carried five times in the loose after coming on.
Finlay Bealham (for Furlong 61) - 6
Made a shuddering tackle in the midfield soon after coming on but had little to do.
Kieran Treadwell (for Beirne 61) - 6
Got himself on the scoresheet in his first appearance in over four years.
Jack Conan (for Doris 54) - 6
Made 10 carries for 67 metres in his cameo.
Craig Casey (for Gibson-Park 61) - 6
Fizzed around and played his part in the last two tries
Johnny Sexton (for Carbery 52) - 7
Added some impetus to the attack after his entrance and kicked four conversions. Likely to start against England.
James Hume (for Ringrose (HIA) 3 and 54) - 6
Got his hands on the ball three times to make 23 metres.
Follow all of Ireland's Six Nations games via our live blogs on rte.ie/sport and on the RTÉ News App or listen to live radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1. Watch live coverage of England v Ireland on Saturday 12 March on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Highlights on Against the Head, Mondays, 8pm
