Ireland rounded off their 2025 Guinness Six Nations campaign with an underwhelming and nervy 22-17 win over an ill-disciplined Italy.
Simon Easterby's side played like a team who knew their championship race was run with the hosts coming close to what would have been just a second-ever Six Nations win over Ireland.
Here's how we rated the players.
15. Hugo Keenan – 7.5
The Ireland full-back was his usual dependable self at the back and got his side on the board with their first try after running a fine line from a close-range scrum. Was at the heart of a number of crucial moment, including two disallowed tries, one of which was an incorrect call and the first Italy red card.
14. Mack Hansen – 7.5
Poor start but best on the day thereafter, Hansen showed how sorely he was missed when injured against France last week. Constantly off his wing to create an extra man and was able to break the line. Had 10 carries for 36 metres and set up Dan Sheehan's hat-trick with a brilliant assist. Was caught out badly for Monty Ioane’s try, unlucky for Italy’s second but otherwise able to take big hits and retain possession.
13. Garry Ringrose – 6
Quiet on his return from suspension and missed half (5) of his tackles, including one that led to Italy’s second try. Ireland’s centre partnership was second best with Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello dominating. Gave away a silly penalty that left Simon Easterby bemused.
12. Robbie Henshaw – 6
Made little impact on the game with just three carries before he was withdrawn on 57 minutes. Racked up four tackles in a busy midfield but like his partner Ringrose, largely out-played.
11. James Lowe – 7.5
Plenty of involvement for the winger, who missed last weekend through injury. His left boot was used to good effect, and he kicked three times to make 178 metres. The Leinster man also picked up two interceptions that stopped promising moves. Unfairly had a brilliant try-assist ruled out when the touch judge prematurely put up his flag.
10. Jack Crowley – 6
Never really got into the game, with Ireland on the back foot for most of the first half. Lovely assist for Keenan's try but a poor pass for Sheehan cost Ireland a score at the start of the second half. Tackled well over his 64 minutes. The Munster man missed three of four conversion attempts, which could easily have cost Ireland dearly.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 6
Another poor outing from the influential scrum-half, whose decision-making was unusually below par. Fired a couple of unkind passes at team-mates, too. Was caught out at a scrum by the excellent Martin Page-Relo and threw an intercept. Excellent kick for Sheehan’s hat-trick try. Replaced by Conor Murray with 15 minutes to play.
1. Andrew Porter – 7
Got through plenty of work but didn’t get a run in attack, with his seven carries totalling seven metres. Missed two of seven tackle attempts. Scrum was solid throughout. Played 64 minutes before being replaced by Jack Boyle.
2. Dan Sheehan – 7.5
There’s a lot to be said for scoring a Six Nations hat-trick. The hooker moved onto 15 international tries, steering over two mauls and was in the right place to finish off Ireland’s fourth. Lineout was flawless, with Sheehan hitting his man 13 out of 13. Otherwise, like a lot of his team-mates, he was off his best, with a couple of handling errors in there, too.
3. Finlay Bealham – 6.5
Provided a solid basis at the scrum and had a try rightly disallowed for a double movement. Made nine tackles before making way for the returning Tadhg Furlong on 47 minutes. Had four carries and won a turnover as well.
4. James Ryan – 6
Failed to impose himself after replacing Joe McCarthy in the starting line-up. Lost the ball forward a couple of times when he knows he should have held on. Intent was there but execution off, conceded two turnovers. Would have scored but for a poor pass from Caelan Doris. Took three lineouts.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 6.5
Another who didn’t play to his usual high standard. Was Ireland’s go-to man at the lineout, taking eight in total. Gave away an uncharacteristic penalty when Ireland were on the attack in the first half. Made 13 tackles across his 80 minutes.
6. Jack Conan – 6.5
Mixed bag for Conan, who was played out of position at 6. Racked up 11 carries and 15 tackles on a busy afternoon. Gave away an early penalty at a ruck and conceded two turnovers.
7. Josh van der Flier – 6
Quite day in attack once again for the Leinster flanker. Was replaced after just 52 minutes by Peter O’Mahony. Made just three tackles, which is very unusual for the 2022 World Rugby player of the year.
8. Caelan Doris – 7
Strange outing for the captain, who had talked up a big game in the build-up but one of many to underperform on the day. Handling and passing, notably for Ryan’s missed chance, wasn’t to his usual level and gave away a silly obstruction penalty. Was Ireland’s top tackler with 16.
Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy (for Sheehan 72) – 6
Made six tackles in a short run out
17. Jack Boyle (for Porter 64) – 6
Worked hard after coming on, got on the ball twice.
18. Tadhg Furlong (for Bealham 47) – 7
Came on to put some order on proceedings, good return after injury lay-off.
19. Joe McCarthy (for Ryan 47) – 6
Worked hard in defence.
20. Peter O’Mahony (for Van der Flier 52) – 7
Impressed on his final cap with three carries and four tackles.
21. Conor Murray (for Gibson-Park 67) – 6
Helped see out a difficult game, fitting to finish on a win.
22. Sam Prendergast (for Crowley 64) – 5.5
Missed Gus McCarthy with a poor pass when Ireland needed to consolidate.
23. Bundee Aki (for Henshaw 56) – 7
Best of the Ireland replacements, getting seven carries and a vital tap tackle on Ange Capuozzo.
