Italian coach Conor O’Shea is hoping to link up with Joe Schmidt in Dublin this morning to pick his brain. Ireland had 150 carries, made 610 metres, beat 28 Italian defenders and nine clean breaks while only conceding a measly three penalties throughout. The fact that Earls tracked back 70 metres to chase down a fellow winger in Mattia Bellini, who looked certain to score, was an inspiration to all. Given that this championship could yet be decided by points differential, the significance of that moment, with Earls refusing to give up, could yet prove more important. Even now, that Earls tackle is the sole reason why Ireland sit above England in the championship table by virtue of a +2 points differential.

Source: Irish Examiner February 12, 2018 00:54 UTC