Ratings: Ireland out-gunned

Saturday 9 Jun 2012

Ireland played with heart against New Zealand, but will concede the match was over by half-time.

The defensive effort was very good for the most part, while the loose forwards competed well at the breakdown, but New Zealand were simply better.

The pack struggled at the set-pieces and weren't able to slow New Zealand down effectively enough to keep their dangerous backs from having time and space to attack.

Timmy Hancox rates the Irish players:

15 Rob Kearney:

Not the kind of performance you'd expected from the European Player of the Year and he was caught out on defence a few times, while is runs from deep didn't yield much reward.

4/10

14 Fergus McFadden:

Scored a try with a good chance on a kick ahead, but not a lot else to write home about with Savea running past him a few times.

5/10

13 Brian O'Driscoll (captain):

The captain Marked Sonny Bill Williams well and made a lot of tackles, but was closely watched by the All Black defenders threw far to many wild loose passes.

5/10

12 Keith Earls:

Looked uncomfortable at inside centre and didn't have enough space to find a gap, while he didn't get over the advantage line at first receiver.

4/10

11 Simon Zebo:

Looked dangerous in the rare attacking opportunities he had, but was forced to spend most of his time tackling.

6/10

10 Jonathan Sexton:

A few too many aimless kicks, while the did put an accurate boot to the ball the resulted in Ireland's only try.

6/10

9 Conor Murray:

Made a great tackle on SAm Whitelock to save a try passed well without adding any tremendous excitement.

6/10

8 Jamie Heaslip:

Worked tirelessly and too some good ball in the line-out, making tackles and carrying the ball well.

7/10

7 Sean O'Brien:

The star of the Irish team winning several key turnovers and tackling his heart out all over the park.

9/10

6 Peter O'Mahony:

Did some good work on the ground in the first half, but then disappeared before being replaced.

6/10

5 Donnacha Ryan:

Didn't do nearly enough work in the tight phases of the match and was out-played by his opposition.

4/10

4 Dan Touhy:

Had a few positive moments hitting the rucks and doing the basics well, but looked a little out of his depth.

5/10

3 Declan Fitzpatrick:

Not a great debut and without making in and mistakes he offered very little.

4/10

2 Rory Best:

Great work making tackles and ripping the ball away, making turnovers and doing a lot of work in loose play.

8/10

1 Cian Healy:

Struggled against both Franks brothers in the scrums and was slow and ponderous throughout the match.

3/10

Replacements:

16 Sean Cronin: (On for Cian Healy – 71st minute)