A great start to the 2022 Six Nations Championship for Ireland as they put last year’s winners to the sword with a 29-7 victory in a noisy and packed Aviva Stadium. Ireland took the lead in the 2nd minute and never looked under any pressure as they continually caused Wales a whole host of problems. Ireland’s discipline was excellent in this bonus point win. Here's our Ireland Player Ratings.
Ireland Player Ratings - 2022 Six Nations - Ireland 29-7 Wales
15. Hugo Keenan - 7
He struggled early under the Welsh high ball tactics in difficult conditions. His precession at the breakdown needs to be better. Continues to impress when asked to be a passer in Ireland’s attack with some excellent passing on the gain line.
14. Andrew Conway- 7
A world class finish for his 1st try and got on the end of a superb Ireland attack for his 2nd Chased Ireland’s kicking game well in difficult conditions. Needs to get into the game more with a higher work rate off his wing.
Congratulations to @IrishRugby on a very impressive start to the @SixNationsRugby campaign 👏👏👏
Two tries for Andrew Conway, including this brilliant finish, in their BP 29-7 victory over Wales 💪#IREvWAL #ShoulderToShoulderpic.twitter.com/5TFiZ35MTB— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 5, 2022
13. Garry Ringrose - 8
Continued his good form from November, causing the Welsh defence so many problems with his smart lines of running. Rewarded with Ireland’s 4th try.
12. Bundee Aki - 8
Got Ireland off to a great start with a try in the 2ndminute. He provided Ireland with consistent gain line with his direct ball-carrying in the 1st half.
11. Mack Hansen- 8
No nerves for the Connacht man as he made a 40m line break with his first touch and put Aki away for Ireland’s first try. His work rate off his wing in attack and defence was excellent while always looking to get on the ball. Impressive debut.
10. Johnny Sexton (Capt.) - 7
The conductor of this team, as he continues to show his worth, marching the attack around Lansdowne Road. He is exquisite at selecting the correct plays and at the right time while attacking the right space.
9. Jamison Gibson Park -7
Not near the standard he performed at in November, with a few sloppy passes and kicks and some poor decision making. Moved the ball quickly when Ireland moved into their multi-phased attack plan.
1. Andrew Porter - 8
The Ireland loosehead had another accomplished performance. Rock-solid in the scrum and very good in defence, with some huge impact tackles. 9 tackles and 5 Ball carries.
2. Ronan Kelleher - 8
Had to adapt to the new scrum formation laws. He put in a very professional performance with his powerful ball carrying and made some good defensive reads in the first half.
3. Tadhg Furlong -8
"Tadhg Furlong - Ireland fly-half" has a nice ring to it#IREvWAL #SixNations2022 pic.twitter.com/61ed1ZKOJ7
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) February 5, 2022
Another 8 in our Ireland player ratings. He continues to show his class with another stunning performance . His energy in attack and defence is infectious to those around him. He was pulled ashore after 51 minutes as there will be bigger battles ahead as he continued to show he has the ball skills of a world class centre.
4. Tadhg Beirne - 8
Beirne gets better with every game. Very good in the lineout and showed some good handling skills in Ireland’s attack. A great performance from the Kildare man.
5. James Ryan – 7
His class showed after he had a quiet first 20 minutes. Made an impressive 11 tackles to put in a solid defensive performance. Caused the Welsh loads of problems at lineout time.
6. Caelan Doris - 8
Very solid performance as he and his other 2 backrow team mates are becoming as much a force as their front row team mates.
7. Josh Van Der Flier - 8
5 February 2022; Jonathan Sexton of Ireland, right, and teammates, celebrate their side's fourth try, scored by Garry Ringrose during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
AGAIN got through a huge amount of work. Ireland’s top defence performer with an epic 16 tackles. Lovely break before Ireland’s 3rdtry.
8. Jack Conan - 8
Continues to be a key player on this Ireland side with his powerful running and positioning in the wide channels. Got through an incredible amount of work, winning an important penalty in the 30th minute to quash Welsh momentum.
Ireland Player Ratings - Replacements
Dan Sheehan - 8
A first 6Nations appearance as he produced a busy 20minuteperformance with 7 tackles and 3 dynamic ball carries. A luxury for Andy Farrell to call upon the powerful hooker.
Cian Healy - 7
Added to his vast cap collection. Good penalty win against the head.
Finlay Bealham - 7
A solid 30 minutes .
Ryan Baird - 7
Good energy when he came on.
Peter O’Mahony - 8
Good physical impact off the bench. Good penalty win on the 63rdminute
Conor Murray - 7
Good to have his experience off the bench. Nice break in the closing minutes.
Joey Carbery -7
Great to see him get some game time as he looks to get some minutes into his body.
James Hume - 7
Another Six Nations debut as he pushed Ringrose to the wing and took his place in the centre.
Coach – 7
A bonus point win and an injury free day for Andy Farrell and his coaches will be delighted to get off the mark. They will know that there will be bigger battles ahead, as they got this year’s championship off to a winning start.
SEE ALSO: Mack Hansen 'Couldn't Be Prouder To Be Irish' After Stunning Six Nations Debut
