By Simon Hunter
Ireland lead the Six Nations table today, following a comprehensive 56-19 win over Italy in Dublin.
Joe Schmidt's men went into the game on the back of a tense, drop-goal-decided, last-minute win in Paris away to France for their tournament opener.
Conor O'Shea's Azzuri meanwhile arrived on the Emerald Isle having been beaten 46-15 at home to England in round one.
The home side went in 28-0 up at the break, having secured the bonus point with four tries before the interval.
Half Time score - IRELAND 28-0 Italy #ShoulderToShoulder #TeamOfUs #IREvITA pic.twitter.com/OV9YyoUUCW
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 10, 2018
Despite adding the same number of points in the second half, they conceded three tries.
Captain Rory Best scored, while fellow Ulsterman Jacob Stockdale scored 2 to make his record 6 in 6 international matches.
The former Wallace HS man said they perhaps lacked the clinical edge they desire.
Robbie Henshaw got two of his own, however there are concerns over his availability for the remainder of the competition, having been seen clutching his arm after completing his brace of tries.
Winger Keith Earls continued his good form, getting over the whitewash for 5 points, while centre Bundee Aki and Conor Murray were the other two contributors.
A try and a bonus point savid tackle - @KEITHEARLS87 was in fine form again today #IREvITA #TeamOfUs #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/IfDb3xLGyM
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 10, 2018
Notably, after the game, visiting captain Sergio Parisse paid a compliment to the Irish style of play, claiming it's superior to that of Eddie Jones's England.
However home skipper Rory Best said they won't get carried away.
Next up is an encounter with Wales at the Aviva Stadium on the 24th February.