Jamie Heaslip a relieved man as Ireland avenge Six Nations opening day defeat with record win in Rome

Heaslip admitted it was a relief to bounce back from last week's defeat in Scotland while coach Joe Schmidt praised the character of his squad

Heaslip captained Ireland in the absence of the unwell Rory Best (Getty Images)

Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip admitted it was a relief to bounce back from last week's defeat in Scotland with a comprehensive 63-10 win over Italy, while head coach Joe Schmidt was keen to praise the character of his players.

CJ Stander scored a hat-trick, while Craig Gilroy also ran in three as a substitute as Ireland recorded the first try-scoring bonus point in the history of the Six Nations in a dominant performance.

It followed on from a disappointing opening day defeat to Scotland, where Ireland lost out narrowly in an entertaining tie with Scotland.

The number eight, who skippered Ireland against Italy after Rory Best was ruled out with illness, said his side were flattered by the scoreline but was happy with how they recovered from last week.

Stander was superb in Ireland's nine-try rout of Italy (Getty Images)

"The final score put a nice shine on it," he told ITV. "We got a few lucky bounces but worked a lot of scores.

"We were a lot more clinical, we were a bit loose at times last week, but we showed in that second half what we can do.

"We took a lot of belief from that and corrected what we did wrong and focused on what we can do."

Our defence was very good but there's a lot of work to be done

He added: "It's nicer to win than lose. Everyone on that field is a competitor.

"We are delighted with the score and especially the second half. Italy really challenged us at times.

"Our defence was very good but there's a lot of work to be done."

Schmidt was delighted with how his Ireland squad bounced back from defeat (Getty Images)

Head coach Joe Schmidt was pleased with the character shown by his players after the disappointment of last week.

"We showed we can start well and that gives a platform to build on," he said. "The players felt that (they needed to make a statement). We know how good they can be.

"It was probably a bit of confidence to go out and do it. There were a few guys making Six Nations and Test debuts so it's good for them to get those performances under the belt."

He added: "There's no margin for error at all. It's an open championship. Wales and England will be tight. It's an open championship and people will be excited."