Bonus point secured, job done…
At times it was pretty, at times it wasn’t pretty and at others, it was downright ugly.
Ireland have done what they set out to do, beating Italy at home and securing a winning bonus point, but there were some worrying moments in the game.
It’s too early to know exactly what injury Robbie Henshaw suffered but it didn’t look good and we’re going to assume that Ireland may have to plan without him for the rest of the tournament after he damaged his shoulder.
That leave a conundrum in selection going into the next game in two week’s time against Wales. Who will partner Bundee Aki in midfield with Garry Ringrose still sidelined?
Added to this the earlier injury to Tadhg Furlong and you think this while the win was good, if expected, the injuries are a real blow to Ireland.
Joe Schmidt and defence coach Andy Farrell will also surely not be happy with the concession of three tries against a fairly toothless Italian side and there’s still things to work on moving forward in the tournament.
But understandably, most of the reaction revolved around the injuries to Furlong and Henshaw…
ok we’ve destroyed them, can we just start the prayers for furlong & henshaw now #IREvITA
— Patricia (@_PatriciaV_) February 10, 2018
Nice win for Ireland. Furlong & Henshaw the only downside. Rest up lads!
— Aiden (@AidenStalker) February 10, 2018
Good result. Doubt if Joe will be too chuffed about soft 19 points given away in second half when it became scrappy. Henshaw and Furlong a worry #IREvITA
— David Joyce (@djoyce18) February 10, 2018
Losses of Henshaw and Furlong for Ireland plus an England win this afternoon would swing the Championship pendulum to Eddie Jones.
— Nick Heath (@nickheathsport) February 10, 2018
Comfortable, as expected, but the loose nature of the second half and injuries to Henshaw and Furlong will be of concern
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) February 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/Carol_xox/status/962357044023103490
