IRELAND CONVINCINGLY BEAT England 19-9 at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon.
Read our full match report here.
While it seems silly to reduce a collective performance that was 10/10 into individual scores, we’ve provided players ratings for each of the Irishmen involved in the excellent win.
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO
Rob Kearney: 8
Underlined his status as a leader once again with a physical display. Made some thumping hits on the outside edge of Ireland’s defence, covering the backfield as well and opting to join the line at the ideal time.
Tommy Bowe: 7
Time and time again, Bowe makes Ireland’s kicking game as effective as it is. Played an important part in the aerial game as always, although two spills of the ball in the first half will have frustrated him.
Jared Payne: 7
The ideal partner for Robbie Henshaw, providing real solidity around the collisions. Carried on direct lines well, and chopped down any English attacks that were directed down his channel.
Robbie Henshaw: 9
Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
This was Henshaw’s finest performance yet in a fledgling international career that promises so much. His pre-contact footwork is reminiscent of a Pacific Islander, helping him to eke out yards under the most intense pressure.
Made superb reads in defence, following them with excellent shoulders into ball carrier, and took his try cleverly.
Simon Zebo: 9
It was Zebo’s dominant judo tackle on Anthony Watson that eventually led to Henshaw’s try, and that moment was typical of the left wing’s work rate. He chased, harried, fielded, tackled, reorganised, chased, covered, beat defenders, hassled and chased. Everything he did was full of energy and enthusiasm.
Johnny Sexton: 9
The out-half is a joy to watch in this Ireland team at present. Sexton is Schmidt’s brain on the pitch, and how reassuring it must be for the head coach to have such an imposing figure at 10. One of the best players in world rugby right now.
Conor Murray: 9
Source: Colm O’Neill/INPHO
The Munster scrum-half is composure personified, consistently making good decisions in a calm manner. Murray seems to have ice running through his veins, and here he directed Ireland around the pitch masterfully, kicking, running and passing with assuredness.
Jack McGrath: 8
Made several strong carries in defensive zones early on, helping Ireland to set up their exits well, while also contributing a handful of impactful tackles. Scrummaged well bar the penalty that allowed England back to 19-6 and remains fully deserving of his place as a starter.
Rory Best: 9
This was another good outing for the Ireland lineout overall and Best deserves credit for his part in that. Part of that strong scrum effort too, as well as adding his typical ferociousness at the breakdown and around the tackle.
Mike Ross: 8
Schmidt’s faith in the 34-year-old continues to be repaid bountifully, with Ross turning in another display full of solidity. He may not be the most explosive carrier, but puts his hand up to be involved. Pinned down Joe Marler impressively at scrum time.
Devin Toner: 8
Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
Another Schmidt favourite and here was another demonstration of exactly why. His lineout steal in the 23rd minute was a huge moment in this game, denying England a crucial attacking opportunity. Had one knock-on in the lineout, but Toner is so key to Ireland’s set-piece success.
Paul O’Connell: 9
Where Paulie goes, Ireland follow. The legendary lock was among the top tacklers as usual, while contributing handsomely to the set-piece with his intelligent calling. The penalty against Ireland when defending an England maul in the first half will have him on video analysis duty tonight, but he handled referee Craig Joubert superbly.
Peter O’Mahony: 8
Didn’t quite get to grips with the breakdown as he would have hoped, and was frustrated to concede the penalty for England to draw themselves to 19-9 when not supporting his body weight. Very busy as a ball carrier though, and tackled firmly.
Sean O’Brien: 7