Will Connors quelled any fears about his step up into the international limelight with a sublime, try-scoring display in Ireland’s convincing win over Italy, earning him the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Match award.
The 24-year-old had been earmarked for a first senior cap against Italy ahead of the original date for the fixture between the sides in March but was forced to wait for his chance due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
After a hiatus of nearly eight months, the Leinster star finally got his chance in the famous green jersey as the Championship resumed in scintillating fashion, with Ireland powering to a 50-17 win that leaves the title in their hands ahead of Round 5.
And Connors certainly wasted no time in showcasing why coach Andy Farrell picked him, with a performance full of attacking and defensive nous at the Aviva Stadium.
Indeed, he made 20 tackles and won three turnovers – the most of any player on the pitch – while also contributing ten carries, and capping off a memorable afternoon with the bonus-point score, touching down following a driving maul.
“I feel tired,” said Connors after the game. “That was special getting out there though. As a group, we’re proud to be this country’s team and we just wanted to give the country something to cheer about, so we’re delighted.
“I don’t score many tries, so I didn’t really know what to do! It was a team effort, between 23 of us we stood together. We’re unbelievably proud of that performance and we’ll kick on now.”
Conor Murray did provide Ireland with a scare early on when he was sin-binned as the Azzurri went close to opening the scoring, but stalwart No.8 CJ Stander eased any home nerves with a try ahead of the ten-minute mark.
Hugo Keenan – also making his debut for the 2018 Grand Slam champions – notched a brace before Connors got the fourth, while Johnny Sexton, Bundee Aki and Dave Heffernan also dotted down for the home side.
Edoardo Padovani and Paolo Garbisi got their names on the scoresheet for Italy, but Ireland ultimately proved too strong on home turf, and now face a trip to Paris knowing that a bonus-point win over France would etch their name on the trophy for the second time in three years.
“We’re extremely excited, we’ve talked about it all week,” added Connors. “We’re taking each challenge as it comes and we’re heading to France with our heads held high. We’re ready to go!”
