After an encouragingly narrow opening defeat by England in Rome, Italy arrived in Dublin in optimistic mood. They left having been crushed by Ireland’s heavy machinery. Dan Sheehan scored two tries for the hosts – as he did when Ireland sealed the grand slam last season – while their multitalented backline was as precise and as fluent as ever.
The reigning Six Nations champions are two from two – top of the table with maximum points – and face a talented but rebuilding Wales side at home next. Supporters may begin to dream of the most emphatic possible response to the painful exit from the Rugby World Cup last year, but no one in Ireland’s camp will be getting ahead of themselves.
