Team for Italy

[Sandydragon]

Thought both debutantes did well, and halfpenny had his best game for a while.

Halfpenny is looking dangerous again. I think Liam has him shaded but it’s going to be a good competition between those two.

[Sourdust]

Thought both debutantes did well, and halfpenny had his best game for a while.

I imagine the knock took a lot out of McNicol. He was looking bang-on for the first 10 minutes but was quiet after he came back. I don't mind admitting to being one of the "lot of people" that Pivac refers to who didn't really know much about Tompkins, but I can't recall such an auspicious debut since... North? So, so great to see ½p back in his pomp; I was convinced he'd be retiring after the RWC but yesterday he looked like he could make the next one. I'd still like to see him attack more, but I can accept those days are gone if he can still produce what he did yesterday.

[Sandydragon]

Whilst halfpenny doesn’t have the raw pace anymore, he does attack intelligently. His chip kicks caused mayhem on every occasion but it didn’t look like he was just following a playbook. Very good game from him.

[newgalesurf]

Gotta be happy with that.

Professional performance. Didn't think Italy looked that bad, but not in the same league

Ireland should have lost (or drawn) that game against the Scots. Way too messy by the Scots (and Ireland not crisp either)

I would stick Tompkins at outside centre and let North fight for his natural position. Tompkins definitely did enough to warrant a look

Owens lineout throwing was way off, hope it was a bad day at the office. Scrum needs some time to gel. Back row was awesome

But all things said. Way better to be tinkering after getting off to a good start than blowing up as it is not working