Player ratings: Cruise control
OPINION: Ireland’s World Cup campaign is up and running and they looked good value for their 27-3 win against Scotland in Yokohama.
The win sets Ireland up as likely Pool A winners, with games against Japan, Russia and Samoa still to come, and with Ireland looking back to their best the talk will now focus on how far they can go in Japan.
15. JORDAN LARMOUR – 8
Electric feet and made some runs that lit up the stadium. Brilliant turnover penalty and did well under the high ball.
14. ANDREW CONWAY – 8
Full of energy, typified by kick and chase that forced Stuart Hogg back over his own line in the first half. Injury opened the door for him here and he made the most of his opportunity with a superbly taken try.
13. GARRY RINGROSE – 7
Quiet by his standards going forward, but his contribution in defence was immense.
12. BUNDEE AKI – 6
Early turnover and great work at the breakdown, but the match was cut short by injury.
11. JACOB STOCKDALE – 7
Wasn’t as involved as he would like going forward, but a solid shift, including a perfectly timed tackle on Stuart Hogg to kill Scotland attack in the first half, and a few kick and chase attempts which just didn’t fall his way.
10. JOHNNY SEXTON – 6.5
Missed conversion attempt and required plenty of treatment in the first half, which saw him pass kicking duties to Murray. Defended well but not as involved in attack as usual.
9. CONOR MURRAY – 7.5
Took over place-kicking duties after Sexton required treatment, scoring one of three conversion attempts. Passing was excellent in difficult conditions and mixed up approach when necessary.
1. CIAN HEALY – 7.5
Another big performance from a player who has become so important for Joe Schmidt. Scrummaged well and was played his role going forward too.
2. RORY BEST – 8
Rolled back the years to score Ireland’s first try, doing really well to wiggle his way over the line. Answered his critics after a difficult few months, with 12/12 success rate from the lineout. Played full 80 minutes at 37 years of age.
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3. TADHG FURLONG – 8
Scored Ireland’s third try. Looked back to his powerful best. Not only is Furlong excellent in the scrum, but he’s also a real threat with ball in hand.
4. IAN HENDERSON – 7.5
Massive carry in the lead up to Ireland’s first try and led the charge as Ireland’s forwards beat up Scotland in the opening stages. Real presence and industry.
5. JAMES RYAN – 8
The most reliable player on this Ireland team. Pops up everywhere on the pitch and rarely puts a foot wrong. Scored Ireland’s opening try.
6. PETER O’MAHONY – 6
Forced off with injury after just 27 minutes. Had been central to much of Ireland’s play beforehand.
7. JOSH VAN DER FLIER – 8
Super workrate, as is standard for the Leinster flank. A big performance with some crucial tackles as Scotland tried to find a way back into the game in the second half.
8. CHRISTIAAN STANDER – 7.5
A massive shift. His security on the ball is the reason he’s remained Ireland’s first-choice No 8. Equally reliable in defence, but conceded a penalty for going off his feet.
Replacements
16. Niall Scannell – 6
Had to slot into the back row but equipped himself well in a messy end to the game.
17. Dave Kilcoyne – 6
A standout performer in Ireland’s warm-up fixtures but didn’t get the opportunity to show that here.
18. Andrew Porter – 7
Scrummaged well in tough conditions, and ensured the power stayed in the Irish pack as Schmidt rang the changes.
19. Tadhg Beirne – 6
Yellow carded after going off his feet, which could have been costly.
20. JACK CONAN – 8
Penalty for not rolling away only real blot on an excellent evening’s work. There have been calls to include Conan in the starting team for some time now and he showed why here.
21. Luke McGrath – 7
Has come a long way to make the World Cup squad ahead of Kieran Marmion, and he repaid Schmidt’s faith here.
22. Jack Carty – 7
Solid kick to touch to ease himself into the game, and followed it up with a lovely kick to Chris Farrell. Confident performance. Kicked one conversion.
23. Chris Farrell – 7.5
Had a big impact on the game after replacing O’Mahony. Defensively solid, made some brilliant runs and showcased his superb soft hands in attack.
