Stat breakdown - Italy vs Ireland

Ireland dominated every facet of the game today, as the scoreline of 63-10 showed. The staggering difference between their total number of line-breaks, 13 to Italy’s 1, gives a clear reflection of the gulf in class between the two sides. The Irish made a grand total of 636 metres in attack, beating 37 defenders along the way and getting over the gain-line 89 times.

Italy in comparison only managed to make 220 metres, break the gain-line 43 times and beating 9 Irish defenders.

Though Ireland showed great flair in attack, they also did the simple things well, winning 100% of their rucks (89/89), 100% of their lineouts (9/9) and making 91% of their tackles (95/104). Italy in contrast, were abysmal in defence, missing 37 tackles for a success rate of 76% (120/157). Ireland managed to steal the ball from their opponents 9 times, whereas the home side only managed 1 turnover.

Possession was also dominated by the men in green, 59% to 41%. The penalty count didn’t reflect Irish dominance with the Italians only conceding 8 in total. Ireland conceded 6, one of which was a penalty try. Both sides conceded 5 penalties in their own half but Ireland obviously made more use of theirs today.