Player ratings: Ireland
OPINION: The men in green just about got over the line in a tense and scrappy game with Gregor Townsend’s Scotland team, who made life incredibly tricky for the would-be Six Nations champions.
Ian Cameron rates the Ireland players!
1. Andrew Porter – 8
Made life difficult for Scotland tighthead Zander Fagerson come scrum time, providing a solid platform for Ireland’s attacking forays. His work rate around the park was commendable, contributing significantly in both defence and at the breakdown. His 65th-minute try broke the deadlock.
2. Dan Sheehan – 6
Sheehan’s lineout throws were a little erratic early doors, a crucial area where Ireland usually excels, leading to lost opportunities and turnovers. His ball carrying wasn’t wobbly though and he picked up his 11th try after making the most of goosed Scottish lineout.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 6
Furlong battled in the scrums and popped up with a few carries, even if they were for minimal gains. A couple of nice touches as first receiver and appeared to be rewarded in the 47th minute when he superbly battled past three Scotland defenders, only for the TMO to disallow the try for an apparent fumble. Put in some telling tackles too.
4. Joe McCarthy – 5
A learning experience for McCarthy, who struggled to assert any physical dominance against a Scottish pack that bullied Ireland at times.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 7
Beirne was everywhere on his 50th cap, disrupting Scottish possession and showcasing his abilities as a lineout operator. Even in a scrappy team performance, Beirne showed flashes of his brilliance.
6. Peter O’Mahony – 6
A significant improvement on the England game; O’Mahony’s defensive work was tireless. If it is the 34-year-old’s final game for Ireland it was a decent way to sign off.
7. Josh van der Flier – 7.5
Was generally a prickly presence at the breakdown and was instrumental in stifling Scottish momentum. He didn’t have it all his own way, losing a turnover in the Scotland 22 after being pickpocketed by Saracens star Andy Christie on one occasion.
8. Caelan Doris – 6
Doris was one of the few to make any headway against a doughty Scotland pack but even his efforts were stifled by a concerted opposition defence. One of a handful of players at fault for Scotland’s late Huw Jones’ try.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8
Gibson-Park provided plenty of quick ball, allowing Ireland to maintain their attacking tempo when they did get their hands on the ball. His kicking game was solid and his overall game management was effective, not least considering a lot of Ireland’s kicking load has been placed on his shoulders. Is arguably Ireland’s MVP with Sexton retired.
10. Jack Crowley – 5
Crowley found it difficult to impose himself, with his kicking game and attacking play fluctuating wildly between very good and pretty average. Again, his decision-making was questionable, especially in Scotland’s 22.
11. James Lowe – 7
The victim of an early Scottish charge down, Lowe was kept relatively well contained by Scotland’s kick-chase game, with limited opportunities to showcase his power and finishing skills. Ireland’s over-reliance on his kicking game might be an area Farrell looks to address in the aftermath of this campaign.
12. Bundee Aki – 7.5
Did a phenomenal job shutting down Duhan van der Merwe every time he popped up in midfield. Was his usual battering ram self in the centre, providing go forward ball and solidifying the midfield defence. Fell off a tackle on Stafford McDowell on one occasion though, allowing Scotland to gain valuable territory.
13. Robbie Henshaw – 6
Henshaw was solid defensively but lacked his usual influence in attack, even if he was a relentless carrier for Ireland. Still, he stayed in the fight and brought a huge amount of dog to Ireland’s midfield. His missed tackle on Huw Jones led to a nervy ending to the game.
14. Calvin Nash – 7
Nash showed glimpses of his pace and skill, proving to be a handful for the Scottish defence. A promising performance from the rookie Munster winger, who proved an able deputy for Mack Hansen across the tournament.
15. Jordan Larmour – 6
A late replacement for Hugo Keenan, Larmour’s counter-attacking panache was lesser spotted on this occasion. Was surprisingly solid under the high ball until a glaring knock-on in the 61st sullied his copybook but by no means a poor performance.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Ronan Kelleher – 7
Kelleher’s impact off the bench was immediate, with accurate throwing at the lineouts and aggressive play in the loose.
17. Cian Healy – 6
He made his presence felt on the pitch with crucial contributions at set piece.
18. Finlay Bealham – 6
Bealham entered the fray with vigour, holding up the scrum well and proving effective in tight exchanges. His contributions in the set-piece ensured Ireland maintained their dominance up front.
19. Ryan Baird – 6
Baird’s athleticism and energy were evident as he replaced tired legs in the second row.
20. Jack Conan – 6
Conan made a notable impact with his strong carries and defensive work.
21. Conor Murray – 6
After copping a lot of flak during the week, Murray’s experience and game management were key in controlling the pace of the game late on as Ireland bid to close it out.
22. Harry Byrne – 5
Coming on in a high-pressure situation, Byrne appeared to settle in quickly, until he copped a yellow card for a sloppy effort.
23. Garry Ringrose – 5
Ringrose brought plenty of energy, but a knock-on off an unsympathetic pass with the Scottish line beckoning will have stung. Understandably he was a bit off given he was trying to shake off several weeks worth of ring rust if you’ll excuse the pun.
@RugbyPass
