IRELAND duly accumulated an impressive total against Italy which helped boost their points difference immeasurably – but it came at the cost of two big injuries that could play a big role later in this tournament.
Tadhg Furlong departed very early with a painful looking hamstring strain and Robbie Henshaw appeared to badly injure his shoulder in scoring his second try.
The injuries slightly took the gloss off victory and at the debrief Joe Schmidt might have a few issues with Ireland’s defence which leaked three second half tries although the Italians showed considerable flair at times behind the scrum.
If only their forwards were the power of old but there is no question that in Matteo Minozzi they have unearthed an exciting player of rare talent.
Although happy with the win in Paris last week, Ireland were not happy with their inability to record a single line-break in 80 minutes. Against the Italians and in much better conditions than anticipated they rectified that in style and had their try-bonus logged after 34 minutes.
Denne historien er fra February 11, 2018-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra February 11, 2018-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Morris hat-trick lifts Steelmen
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Joe keen to follow in family footsteps
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Robson keen to make it to the top with Coventry
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Hancox joins the 200 club
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Bear keen to be a big hit Down Under
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To play in two World Cups was a dream
RUGBY started quite late for me.
Call time on this pantomime ploy
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Coetzee's pulling his weight again
WHETHER he starts or comes off the bench, Jaco Coetzee is just happy to be contributing fully to Bath’s revival after an injury-hit start to his career in blue, black and white.
Murray's on a wing - and a prayer ...
BLAIR Murray began the week ‘in a state of shock’ at having gone from nowhere on one side of the world to the starting grid for the autumn Tests on the other.
We need to kick on after winning at last
Paul Rees talks to Ethan Grayson who heard from two rugby legends after he helped Newcastle end their 25-match losing run
