Winners
Tomasso Menoncello
This was yet another great international performance from Menoncello - this was probably his best of the tournament. In attack, he was a massive force and Italy's focal point in attack. He dominated in midfield against a world class duo of Aki and RIngrose. His defensive effort matched the level of his attack making him my player of the match without doubt, despite the final score.
Juan Ignacio Brex
It would be remiss of me to praise Menoncello without mentioning his midfield partner - Brex. He is the key piece of Italy's defence and kept AKi and RIngrose in check all game whilst also being a crucial part of Italy's creativity out wide.
Hugo Keenan
On a day where Ireland underwhelmed, the Irish fullback provided a solid presence at the back which is invaluable at this level. He also scored two fairly simple tries on a day that will probably go down as an unspectacular but successful day.
Dan Sheehan
He was Ireland's best player by far.He scored a hat-trick and was otherwise a danger in attack all afternoon. His line-out throwing was solid throughout and has surely, along with his attacking play, earned him the number 2 jersey in July for the Lions.
Losers
James Ryan
He lacked effectiveness throughout and made some costly errors including bungling an almost certain try which would have put his team in cruise control for the second half.
Gary Ringrose
He missed several tackles in midfield including a crucial miss on Menoncello which resulted in italy's first try of the game. He seems to be a more powerful player now but hasn't actually had as much of an impact as he. and Ireland, would expect.
Ross VIntcent
After a great performance at Twickenham(sorry Allianz Stadium), Vintcent was presumably placed on the bench by Quesada with the intention of providing an injection of pace in the second half. Unfortunately Italy suffered multiple injuries early on so the bench impact was neutralised. And, to make things worse, when Vintcent came on he didn't last long before earning himself a 20 minute red card. The tackle on Keenan did not look deliberately high but it was incredibly clumsy and a definite red card. Italy's absence of discipline is probably what cost them on Saturday and Vincent was a part of that.
Giacomo Nicotera
Another play who got carded was GIacomo Nicotera who makes my losers list in consecutive weeks after his dismal display in Rome. He wasn't on for very long but still made a very negative impact on his team at a crucial stage of the game.
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