• Home
  • /
  • Rugby
  • /
  • Ireland Player Ratings As Farrell's Side Finally Banish England Demons

Ireland Player Ratings As Farrell's Side Finally Banish England Demons

Ireland Player Ratings As Farrell's Side Finally Banish England Demons
Gary Connaughton
By Gary Connaughton
Share this article

Where was that performance for the last few weeks?

Ireland have put in a brilliant showing to defeat England on a scoreline of 32-18 at the Aviva Stadium this evening, ending their Six Nations campaign on a high.

With some big contributions all around the pitch, here's how we rated the performances on the day.

Ireland Player Ratings

Hugo Keenan - 7

Produced an incredible catch to set Ireland away for their second try and was fantastic in the air all afternoon.

He wasn't quite as influential as some other members of the backline but did everything that was asked from him.

 

Advertisement

Keith Earls - 8

Showed incredible pace to make the most of an over-thrown line-out and run in Ireland's opening try. His play for a potential second try was arguably even more impressive, but it was adjudged that there was a knock-on in the buildup.

He has been excellent in the last couple of weeks.

Advertisement

 

Robbie Henshaw - 9

Had a huge impact on the defensive side of the game early on, producing two massive choke tackles and a big kick chase on Elliot Daly that gave Ireland their opening penalty. He made six tackles in the first 20 minutes and had more carries than any Ireland player in the opening period.

Advertisement

Henshaw was the man who drove Ireland on, even if his influence did wain a small bit as the game went on. Arguably Ireland's best player in this tournament, he can book his ticket on The Lions tour this summer.

 

Bundee Aki - 6

Advertisement

Had a dodgy start, but grew into the contest as the game went on. He put in a good performance overall, but his careless tackle to lead the red card put plenty of unnecessary pressure on his team.

 

Jacob Stockdale - 7

Advertisement

Showed great feet for Ireland's second try, carrying for 33 metres in the opening half overall.

He didn't quite have as much of an impact in the second period, but it was still a good return from the winger after missing the first four games of the tournament.

 

Advertisement

Jonathan Sexton - 8

Exemplary from the boot once again, he ends the championship having missed only one kick in four appearances.

Sexton showed great leadership to keep the side going after Aki's red card, kicking two big penalties to kill off any notion of an England comeback.

 

Conor Murray - 7

Was lucky to be bailed out by Bundee Aki after being caught out by the high bomb into the 22 in the first half, but overall Murray kept the ball moving at a decent pace.

That was key in attack, even if he did opt against running himself throughout.

 

Dave Kilcoyne - N/A

Recommended

Had to replaced after 19 minutes due to injury.

 

Rob Herring - 8

His line-out delivery was a bit wayward at times, but Herring was absolutely immense in defence all afternoon. He made a ridiculous 11 tackles in 70 minutes, although he probably could have done more to prevent England's opening try.

Also played his part in the dominance in the scrum.

 

Tadhg Furlong - 9

Gave Mako Vunipola massive trouble in the scrum and put in some powerful carries when given the opportunity. His last contribution was to win a huge penalty in the scrum, with the Wexford man putting in another dominant display in his return from injury.

Surely cert to start for The Lions.

 

Iain Henderson - 7

Henderson had a couple of big carries and he played his part in defence. Solid as ever in the line-out, although England were tight in giving up any opportunities for a steal in that area.

A good showing.

 

Tadhg Beirne - 8

Was brilliant in the breakdown once again, Beirne also put in a big shift defensively with 11 tackles in the game.

He didn't disrupt the English line-out as much as was hoped but it was still a very good performance.

 

CJ Stander - 8

Playing in his final game for Ireland, this was a typical Stander performance. Only X players carried for more metres, while the Munster man was also a menace both in the tackle and the breakdown.

A nice way for him to bow out.

 

Josh van der Flier - 8

Never the most flashy of players, van der Flier put in the type of work-rate we have come to expect from him.

The 27-year old made a team leading 11 tackles

 

Jack Conan - 8

Showed brilliant hand to set Earls away for the game's first try, while he showed great perseverance to get a try of his own later in the half.

Conan would also do a huge amount in defence and was excellent after his reintroduction to the team.

 

Replacements - 7

Cian Healy played his part after coming off the bench early in the game, while Ryan Baird also made a couple of important contributions to halt the potential England comeback.

SEE ALSO: The 'England 2011 Grand Slam Champions' PR Debacle - 10 Years On

Join The Monday Club Have a tip or something brilliant you wanted to share on? We're looking for loyal Balls readers free-to-join members club where top tipsters can win prizes and Balls merchandise

Processing your request...

You are now subscribed!

Share this article

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com

Advertisement