Ireland v Scotland, what were we all nervous about? A ruthless performance by the Ireland rugby team against a rudderless Scotland who now exit another Rugby World Cup at the group stages.
Ireland’s defence was excellent all night as they repeatedly lined up and took down a limited Scottish attack. While Scotland pack their bags, Ireland move on to a quarter-final against New Zealand next weekend.
Here's a look at the individual performances of the Ireland rugby team.
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Ireland Rugby Player Ratings - Starting XV:
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Hugo Keenan – 8/10
Keenan was spectacular in attack, marking his name on the scoresheet with two brilliantly executed tries.
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Mack Hansen – 7/10
Was forced into defensive duties early in the 1st half. Went off injured which will be a concern
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Garry Ringrose – 9/10
A classy performance in attack. A great break to set up the opening try. Had to shift to the wing to facilitate Hansen’s injury. Got over for a try from an excellent cross-field kick by Crowley.
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Bundee Aki – 8/10
Superb offload to set up Ringrose’s offload before Keenan’s 1st try. Ended most of Scotland’s attack with some excellent defence. Made a massive 11 tackles
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James Lowe – 7/10
Lowe set the momentum with a beautifully executed try. Unfortunately, he had to exit due to an eye injury.
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Johnny Sexton (Capt) – 9/10
The Irish maestro was at his best, orchestrating plays that left the Scottish defence bewildered. Exiting at 44 minutes with the Ireland rugby team leading 31-0, his leadership is at a different level than other 10s in this tournament.
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Jamison Gibson-Park – 8/10
A much better performance as he made sure Ireland kept the pace of the game high that Scotland couldn’t live with. Forced to play on the wing in the 2nd half (and as good there as he was at 9!!!!)
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Andrew Porter – 8/10
Simply outstanding in defence. Got through an incredible amount of work with 13 tackles in his 48 minutes on the pitch.
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Dan Sheehan – 9/10
A first World Cup start and it looks like the lineout problems have been solved with his excellent throwing. Superb around the pitch especially during the key defence sets. Got over for a great team try. 11 Tackles / 9 ball carries.
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Tadhg Furlong – 8/10
Put in a massive defence effort in the opening 25 minutes when Scotland had some attacking field position. Looked to be struggling with an injury early in the game. 11 tackles for the Ireland rugby team.
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Tadhg Beirne – 8/10
A fine performance full of energy. Dominated the lineout. 13 tackles
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Ian Henderson – 8/10
Justified his selection with a performance of class. Ran the lineout very well. Looks back to his best.
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Peter O’Mahony – 9/10
On the occasion of his 100th cap, he put in a performance to remember. His lineout defence & attack was outstanding. Involved in all of Ireland’s good attacking play in the 1st half.
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Josh Van Der Flier – 9/10
Another huge performance. He destroyed Scotland with a performance full of energy and craft. 21 tackles
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Caelan Doris – 9/10
Just one of the best players on the pitch in Attack and Defence in probably one of his best performances in an Ireland rugby jersey. 22 tackles / 10 ball carries.
Ireland rugby player ratings - replacements:
16· Ronan Kelleher – 8/10
Some massive ball carries when he came on. But to bed some of the throwing wobbles from last week.
17· Dave Kilcoyne – 6/10
Worked hard in defence with 6 tackles. Struggled with the attack pace of the game at times.
18· Finlay Bealham – 8/10
Showed a massive work-rate when he came on. He’s becoming a massive part of the plan.
19· James Ryan – 7/10
Was excellent when he came on and showed his huge experience.
20· Jack Conan– 7/10
He will be delighted to finally get on the pitch in this World Cup. Had some great breakdown moments.
21· Conor Murray – 8/10
On at half time and kept Ireland’s attack in the right part of the field.
22· Jack Crawley – 7/10
On for the captain early in 2nd half. A beautiful piece of skill for his Crossfield kick for Ringrose’s try.
23· Stuart McCloskey – 8/10
Came on for Hansen twice in the 1st half and caused the Scottish midfield some massive problems. Huge impact in his first World Cup appearance for the Ireland rugby team.
Coach– 9/10
Tactically brilliant. Farrell will be delighted with that performance and with how the lineout went. Was able to get his key generals off the field early in the 2nd half.
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