Six Nations: Ireland Rugby Social – Izuchukwu & Baloucoune bring ‘X factor’ to Ireland – McCloskey

Meanwhile, Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey said there is “more to come” from fellow Ulster players Cormac Izuchukwu and man of the match Baloucoune.

After a humbling 36-14 defeat by France in their opening fixture, Ireland bounced back to defeat a much-improved Italy side.

Jamie Osborne, Jack Conan and Six Nations debutant Baloucoune crossed the white line for Farrell’s side, who thwarted a late flurry of chances to deny Italy a late leveller.

“He [Rob] is class and I think he has shown how good he has been when he has played this year. For Ulster, he has been world-class when he has been fit. You could say that about the last four or five years,” McCloskey told the Ireland Rugby Social podcast.

“He is electric, he scores tries that other people can’t and takes balls in the air that other people can’t take.

“Rob and Izzy have so much X factor. I think they showed that today and there is more to come. It gives me energy when I am playing with those guys as well.”