Ireland’s red card response pleases Easterby

In the 34th minute, the centre was shown a 20-minute red card for a high tackle on Wales’ Ben Thomas.

Ringrose was “a far cry from a dirty player,” according to Easterby, and it “could have either way” to choose whether to show him a yellow or red shirt.

In surviving the period with a man disadvantage, and coming back from 18-10 down to win 27-18 after Bundee Aki came on to restore their numerical parity, Easterby feels his side will benefit from victory in “very different circumstances”.

“I was pleased with how the lads responded to that”, he said.

In their quest to become the first nation to win three Six Nations titles in a row, Ireland are still on the verge of a Grand Slam. On March 8, they will host France in Dublin, before moving on to Italy for the rest of their campaign.

“We would have certainly taken this a few weeks back”, added Easterby.

The players in particular, who are unique to this group, always strive to improve and do things that other teams might not be able to.

The team will continue to be driven toward France over the coming weeks.

Number eight Jack Conan struggled to open up with a tight back, according to Easterby, but his team appeared to have survived the game unscathed.