Ireland player ratings vs Italy: 2026 Six Nations

Saturday, 14 February 2026 at 16:08

byTom Sansom

Scroll down for Ireland player ratings vs Italy as Andy Farrell's men came from behind to win at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

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.Ireland secured their first victory of the 2026 Six Nations with a hard-fought 20–13 win over a spirited Italy at the Aviva Stadium. Andy Farrell’s side endured a shaky opening half but showed greater composure after the break to edge a tight contest.

A yellow card to Italy’s Louis Lynagh allowed Ireland to strike first, as Stuart McCloskey broke the line and sent Jamie Osborne over. However, missed kicks kept the door open, and Paolo Garbisi reduced the deficit with a penalty. When Craig Casey was sin-binned, Italy capitalised through Giacomo Nicotera’s maul try, and Garbisi’s conversion handed the visitors a 10–5 half-time lead.

Ireland responded after the restart, with Jack Conan powering over to level matters. A disallowed Italian try proved crucial before McCloskey combined with Rob Baloucoune for a decisive score on debut. Jack Crowley’s boot stretched the advantage, and despite a late Garbisi penalty, Ireland held firm to claim a deserved win.

Scroll down for Ireland player ratings vs Italy.

Ireland: 20

Tries: Osborne (17'), Conan (43'), Baloucoune (58')
Cons: Crowley (59')
Pens: Crowley (63')

Italy: 13

Tries: Nicotera (33')
Cons: Garbisi (34')
Pens: Garbisi (21', 67')

Ireland player ratings vs Italy:

JAMIE OSBORNE – 6.5

Strong in the air once more from the in-form back-three man. On hand to support McCloskey for the opening try, with a great burst of pace. Frustrated to knock the ball on at 21 minutes as Ireland built an attack. Made a key try-saving tackle at 48 minutes, sending an Italian player into touch.

ROB BALOUCOUNE – 7

Making his Six Nations debut after a red-hot run of form with Ulster, Baloucoune took the start on the wing. Immediately involved in the high-ball chase, with a kick gather and a hit on the following recipient. A strong defensive presence, he hit Monty Ioane into touch. Marked his debut with a stunning try, producing a powerful solo finish to take Ireland into the lead.

GARRY RINGROSE – 6

Delivered his usual contributions across the gain-line as he matched up largely against the in-form Tommaso Menoncello, with both centres nullifying each other’s threats. A mid-air clash went unpunished, with the Leinster man fortunate to escape unscathed. Tried to fly out of the line and briefly covered scrum-half when Casey went to the sin bin, albeit as Italy stole back possession.

STUART MCCLOSKEY – 6.5

Threw his weight into every carry and showcased a nice set of hands to offload to Osborne for Ireland's first try. Made solid contributions over the gain-line, though he was a step off defensively against the unpredictable Italian attack. Bagged a second assist with a looping offload to Baloucoune, with Ulster cohesion evident in the score.

JAMES LOWE – 6

Returning to the match day squad after playing no part against France. Upped a solid tempo along the left wing with some strong carries. Testing the back-field with his customary kicks, and got the crowd off their feet with a neat regathered chip. Italy knew all about the threat of Lowe, as he was not given an inch of space for the most part, and was stripped in the air at a 72nd minute contest to define his mixed bag under the high ball. His starring intercept break came in the final moment, to get Ireland out of danger and secure the win.

SAM PRENDERGAST – 5 (OFF 55)

There was plenty of discussion around Prendergast’s retention at fly-half after an underwhelming performance against France. A wide miss-pass was nearly intercepted by Louis Lynagh, who received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on. Missed conversions drew groans from the Ireland support, as Prendergast looked a step off the mark when Ireland were on the front foot. He winced in discomfort before being replaced by Jack Crowley.

CRAIG CASEY – 5 (OFF 51)

Started at scrum-half in place of Jamison Gibson-Park. His first box kick was below par but thankfully retained by Irish hands. Nearly threw an intercept in the opening stages and was fortunate to escape. Sent tumbling backwards in a tackle attempt after clattering head-to-head with Lorenzo Cannone, resulting in a trip to the sin bin and a bunker review.

JEREMY LOUGHMAN – 6

Made his second consecutive start for Ireland after a strong return to the squad. Collapsed under pressure at scrum time, with Ireland losing their own put-in on the stroke of half-time to cap a difficult first-half showing up front. Produced a key close-range carry to lay the groundwork for Jack Conan’s early second-half try.

DAN SHEEHAN – 5.5

Left red-faced after being manhandled and driven backwards by two Italian defenders when attempting to score from close range. After strong lineout work against France, Sheehan missed his mark in the first half. Not his strongest performance at scrum time either, with the starting front row falling short of their Paris standards. The lineout improved after the break, with quick ball helping to set up Conan’s try.

THOMAS CLARKSON – 5 (OFF 40')

Selected to start despite Tadhg Furlong’s return to fitness. Won a scrum penalty in the fifth minute with a powerful shove but struggled as the half progressed, with Fischetti gaining the upper hand at a 36th-minute set-piece. Overzealous celebrations sparked a brief brawl.

JOE MCCARTHY – 5 (OFF 51)

Given the nod to start despite excitement around Edwin Edogbo’s debut and a disappointing outing against France. It was a poor first half at the set-piece, with some miscommunications disrupting rhythm. Not the response McCarthy would have wanted on home soil.

JAMES RYAN – 6 (OFF 69)

Carried strongly from the outset, muscling his way across the gain-line. The lineout lacked cohesion compared to Paris, with Ryan leading a reshuffled pack. Became involved in a half-time scuffle with Monty Ioane as tempers flared.

CORMAC IZUCHUKWU – 7 (OFF 59)

Plenty of excitement around the Ulster back-rower as he earned his first Six Nations cap. Denied Leonardo Marin an early score by batting the ball dead. Penalised for contact on a player in the air, allowing Garbisi to slot three points. Won a crucial lineout steal early in the second half to relieve pressure. A strong showing before making way for fellow Ulster man Nick Timoney.

CAELAN DORIS – 6.5

Shifted to openside after starting at number eight against France. Delivered a tireless performance, racking up tackles as Ireland’s defensive heartbeat during key phases.

JACK CONAN – 7.5

Started in a reshuffled back row and provided his trademark wrecking-ball impact from kick-off. Made important yards to dig Ireland out of trouble and crossed for a close-range score early in the second half to draw the sides level. No-nonsense, head-down work from the Leinster forward earned deserved plaudits.

REPLACEMENTS

RONAN KELLEHER – 6 (ON 51)

Entered to help stabilise the set-piece after first-half lineout and scrum struggles.

TOM O'TOOLE – 6 (ON 66')

Deployed at loosehead and delivered a solid contribution. Emptied the tank with some strong carries and helped Ireland assert control in the second half.

TADHG FURLONG – 5.5 (ON 40)

Introduced at half-time as Andy Farrell demanded more from the front row. Caught static at the back of a ruck and driven backwards. Helped anchor the improved scrum in the second half before being upended at a scrum penalty, allowing Garbisi to add three more points. A mixed return after a lengthy calf layoff.

EDWIN EDOGBO – 6 (ON 69)

Welcomed by a huge cheer as he made his long-awaited Ireland debut. Produced a few neat carries and solid ruck work in an energetic 11-minute cameo.

TADHG BEIRNE – 6.5 (ON 51)

The versatile forward added cohesion to the pack upon arrival. Played a key role in the improved set-piece and helped guide his provincial teammate Edogbo through the closing stages.

NICK TIMONEY – 6 (ON 59)

Returned to the matchday squad on the back of strong form. Contributed with purposeful carries and effective tackling as Italy faded.

JAMISON GIBSON-PARK – 7.5 (ON 51)

Landed a superb 68th-minute kick that pinned Italy deep in their own territory. Raised the tempo and provided valuable composure as Ireland navigated the closing stages.

JACK CROWLEY – 7.5 (ON 55)

Received a huge ovation from the home crowd. Immediately influential, linking play before Baloucoune’s try and converting Ireland’s first of the afternoon. A start against England now looks likely after a composed, match-steadying display.

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!