Reaction as Ireland beat Italy for their first Six Nations 2017 victory

Carl Kinsella

Ireland wrapped up their first win of the 2017 Six Nations with a commanding performance over Italy in Rome on Saturday afternoon.

A combative first-half saw Ireland come out on top, with a scoreline of 28-10 somewhat understating Ireland’s dominance.

The second half was played at a slower pace, but CJ Stander added his third try of the game – heaping more misery on top of Italy, who also conceded two tries to Keith Earls.

Paddy Jackson’s kicking was spot on all afternoon, converting each of Ireland’s tries — converting Craig Gilroy’s try ten minutes from time, and Garry Ringrose’s again after that. Craig Gilroy capped off a wonderful afternoon with two more tries of his own, and Jackson did the job once more — certainly giving himself a shout for a starting place against France.

All in all, it was a good day at the office for Ireland who have left their defeat to Scotland in the past, racking up a comfortable 63-10 win over the tournament’s whipping boys and picking up a try bonus point for their free-scoring ways.

Hatrick! @CJStander gets his 3rd. pic.twitter.com/qnc32yged2

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 11, 2017

Hat trick for CJ Stander!!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 #ITAvIRE #COYBIG #LionsWatch #RBS6Nations #easy #gamesetmatch 🇨🇮👋🏻👋🏻🍺

— mark Jc 💙 (@markcollins83) February 11, 2017