MAN OF THE MATCH
Iain Henderson: The Ulster lock is having a super tournament and again was Ireland’s best player. He turned over Italian ball using his strength in the choke tackle a number of times, was faultless in the lineout and carried well throughout.
PLAYER RATINGS
Simon Zebo - 6: Didn’t get much opportunity to attack. Solid showing and made an important tackle in the second half.
Tommy Bowe - 7: A mixed bag. Competed very well in the air but knocked on more than once.
Keith Earls - 7: Scored his eighth World Cup try but didn’t get much front foot ball to attack.
Robbie Henshaw - 7: Ran a great line and offloaded well for Earls' try. Tackled well throughout.
Dave Kearney - 6: Was solid in defence. Didn’t get much ball to work with.
Jonathon Sexton - 8: Played well off the back foot in the second-half when he kept Italy pinned in their own half for the final 20 minutes. Kicked well from placed balls.
Conor Murray - 6: Defensively he box kicked very well, but also kicked too often off set-piece play.
Jack McGrath - 6: Scrummed well but inconspicuous in the loose.
Rory Best - 7: Threw very well in the lineout and not his abrasive self.
Mike Ross - 6: Anchored the scrum very well but ineffectual in open play.
Iain Henderson - 9: Had a huge impact in the game. Was instrumental in choke tackle turnovers and carried well.
Paul O'Connell (capt) - 7: Was pinged for one penalty in the first-half but worked tirelessly. Ran the lineout flawlessly.
Peter O'Mahony - 8: Made an incredible try-saving tackle in the second-half. Won the lineout for Earls' try and carried well throughout.
Sean O'Brien - 6: Worked hard but doesn’t look anywhere close to the form of four years ago. Finding it hard to make yards with ball in hand.
Jamie Heaslip - 6: A quiet performance by the No. 8, who was outshone by his counterpart Sergio Parisse.
Sean Cronin - 6: Continued where Best left off.
Cian Healy - 6: Added impetus to Ireland’s cause.
Nathan White - 6: Helped Ireland close out the game.
Devin Toner - 8: Made a good impact off the bench. Heavily involved in the last 20 minutes.
Chris Henry - 7: Got stuck in and helped Ireland slow Italy in the final quarter.
Luke Fitzgerald - Not on long enough to be rated.
