Ireland’s free-flowing rugby seemed to stun a hell of a lot of people

Conan Doherty

Running, offloading, attacking… tries.

Who are you and what have you done with Ireland?

A rather glum Six Nations campaign was lit up at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Joe Schmidt’s outfit looked to take all their frustrations out on poor, old Italy.

A first half of free-flowing rugby saw the hosts cut through their opposition for a shortcut and keep the Dublin crowd well entertained in a campaign that has long since slipped from their grasps.

October 11th – that’s how far you had to go back for the country’s last win but a scintillating opening 40 minutes impressed the masses. Actually, it shocked them.

Four glorious tries and a spirited display saw Ireland in 25-3 at the break. And how we marvelled.

We had forgotten what this felt like.

Enjoyable! #IREvITA #SixNations

— Amy Gaffney aka Rosie Hannigan🌸🌙🪷 (@gaffneyamy) March 12, 2016

And forgotten what this looked like.

An offload!! Goodness gracious. #IREvITA

— Aidan Boyce (@therealboycee) March 12, 2016

Team selection going down well too.

https://twitter.com/ShaunaghTay/status/708654400135438336

Zebo provides the electricity and spark at full-back that I don't think we've seen in years from Kearney #IREvITA

— Jack O'Toole (@jackjotoole) March 12, 2016

When you're practically pitch side there's an attacking swerve & balance to Zebo you don't appreciate on tv. It's great to watch. #IREvITA

— Killian Byrne (@killianbyrne) March 12, 2016

We’re just class.

https://twitter.com/gingetayyy/status/708655969643991040

https://twitter.com/GlynzarioBonez/status/708656642284511232

WHAT A MOVE FROM IRELAND! #IREvITA

— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) March 12, 2016

Sexton absolutely took one for the team there to set Earls away, standing up now so he'll take the conversion. Sharp from Ireland #IREvITA

— Adam Redmond (@AdamRedmond) March 12, 2016

A logical explanation no-one wants to hear.

Italy are so poor they're making Ireland's attack look lethal. #IREvITA

— Slutty McSmoochyface (@Kingstonbro) March 12, 2016

A logical rationalisation no-one wants to hear.

https://twitter.com/BenMon92/status/708653298266443776

Some things never change though.

https://twitter.com/ayybheann/status/708654570684227585

And it could be an opportunity wasted.

Glad now that Schmidt didn't go too adventurous with his selection against this really dangerous looking Italy side. #IREvITA

— Chris McCann (@canntoya) March 12, 2016

But it was a taste of quality.

https://twitter.com/liamd01/status/708655728924487682

And even the referee was easy on the eye.