Claire Small Ireland international on BBC Radio Ulster
I think Jack Crowley will start at 10 next week. I don't think Sam Prendergast did enough to keep his place and Ireland certainly improved when the Munster fly half came on.
Gutted for Italy, really gave it their all in the last 10 for the draw, but would have been disastrous for Ireland to draw the game given their loss to France. Fine line of sport, Italy nearly get a valuable point to nearly losing a their bonus point.
Ivan, Krakow
Italy no longer in the six nation just to make up the numbers. After years of suffering some big defeats they are at last competing and giving the other teams a run for their money. Massive improvements and hopefully they will continue getting better and stronger
'We showed great character'published at 16:50 GMT 14 February
16:50 GMT 14 February
FT: Ireland 20-13 Italy
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell: "I thought we showed great character. Italy do not lie down like they have done in recent years. I am so unbelievably proud of the team. They showed a lot of character and that will stand us in good stead.
"We stood strong at the end and, after a spotty first half, I was a lot happier with the second half performance."
That Ireland Italy game goes to show why the Six nations is quite simply the greatest sporting competition in the world. Stand aside FA cup and Winter Olympics.
Alex, Bristol
Ireland totally got away with that! A marginal forward pass call goes the other way and Italy romp home. I've rarely watched a more undeserved victory.
Also, funny how they got better when they changed their 10...
Ed, St Albans
Very impressed with the Ireland v Italy ref today. She did not try to be the star - as the ref in the England v Wales did. She was firm, accurate and respected by players and fans.
Claire Small Ireland international on BBC Radio Ulster
I think Robert Baloucoune has something that nobody else has for Ireland. He is a great finisher and it's great seeing a winger coming off his wing and he is a very good defender too.
I think he'll be on the team sheet at Twickenham next week.
'Dream come true' - Baloucounepublished at 16:42 GMT 14 February
16:42 GMT 14 February
FT: Ireland 20-13 Italy
Man of the match Robert Baloucoune: "Even getting into the camp was brilliant but to get out here on my Six Nations debut and score a try is a dream come true.
"Faz (Andy Farrell) told me to get out there and express myself and I think I did that so hopefully I get another chance."
Ireland got out of jail there I think! Credit to Italy, they always looked for the chance to score.
Tim, Derby
Italy a revelation- or were Ireland just confirming that they are on a downward spiral? Italy did not deserve to lose, but they will win many more matches once they get the tiny margins right.
James, Solihul
Yes a very competitive Italy is great for the Six Nations. Wonderful for the game. They played exceptionally well. Ireland turned it around when replacements made. Why Jack Crowley doesn't start every game is a mystery. Faz needs to take note.
Ireland very lucky today. Italy but for about four inches would have had two under the posts.
England must have been watching the scrums with anticipation for the next game
Sean, Sunderland
Highly entertaining game. Ireland’s scrum is a hot mess. Italy are legit, which is great for the tournament. I’m happy with the result but almost feel badly for the Italians.
William, Altrincham
Was sweating during the first half but the difference the Irish substitutes made was obvious. A much improved second half closed out the game. We gotta raise it up a level next week though!
Ireland very lucky, Italy showed how good they were
Michael, Warwickshire
We might have won, but I think the best team on the day actually lost.
Well played Italy
Martin, Nottingham
Why would you kick the ball dead when you have golden chance for bonus point win to make up heavy loss in France, how costly could that decision prove to be?
We said beforehand it was about a result more than a performance. In parts I thought they were good but to be honest, it's not the Ireland we have expected in the last few years but they will take solace from the fact that's a good Italian team. It was tough opposition and they ground it out.
Ireland captain Caelan Doris: "It was a proper battle but we're delighted to come out on the right side. Italy tested us and made us work hard but relieved we got over the line.
"It wasn't perfect but there was good intent in the second half which is what we spoke about during the week.
"We need to get better at turning pressure into points."
BBC Sport, please can you explain why Ireland weren’t allowed to take the lineout from the penalty kick at the end of the game? Why was the ball dead? Thanks
Izzy, London
Hey Izzy! We've watched it back again and it looked like Crowley's kick went into the in-goal area and out of play. It was tight, but we think that explains the confusion.
Claire Small Ireland international on BBC Radio Ulster
Ireland improved when Jack Crowley came on but him missing touch and putting the ball dead right at the end when Ireland were going for the bonus point is a real blot on his copybook
Image source, Getty Images
