Ireland huffed and puffed to a win in their last game on Irish soil before travelling to France.
Ireland will be delighted to get the win and get the rust out of the system with vital minutes for the front-line players. In truth, Ireland didn’t need to be at their best to beat this poor English team who had another red card for a high tackle. However it will be Keith Earls’ 100th cap and his epic try that this game will be remembered for.
Here’s a breakdown of individual player performances:
Ireland v England: Ireland Player Ratings
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Hugo Keenan – 8/10
A confident performance by Mr Consistent. His backfield positioning and counterattack were as good as ever. Impeccable under a high ball, it makes one wonder why England continually punted in his direction.
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Mack Hansen – 8/10
A performance full of energy with his work rate off his wing. Tested early under the high ball and was comfortable. Good defensive reads on England’s wide attack. Lovely kick for Ringrose’s try before half-time.
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Garry Ringrose – 7/10
Made some huge tackles early in the game. Finished off a great Crossfield kick by Mack Hansen.
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Bundee Aki – 7/10
Was his usual direct self with his ball carrying provided some great go-forward for his team. Got over for a try in the opening 10 minutes in Ireland’s first real attack.
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James Lowe – 7/10
Like his wing partner, his work rate was excellent and gave Ireland loads of options. Has a great ability to get the ball out of the tackle which caused England problems
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Ross Byrne – 7/10
Solid display without being spectacular. Ireland struggled to get quality first-phase ball under some huge England lineout pressure. Organised the attack well especially on transition and made 2 very good passes for 2 of Ireland’s tries.
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Jamison Gibson Park – 7/10
Kept Ireland ticking along with some good pace of his pass. Organised the short-side defence well in the 1st half when England looked to attack them. Some very good box kicks.
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Andrew Porter – 7/10
Got through a tonne of work around the breakdown and tackle. An impressive scrum performance.
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Dan Sheehan – 5/10
Uncharacteristically had some poor lineout throws under some huge English pressure. Had few of his explosive ball carries but Came off before halftime with a worrying knee injury
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Tadhg Furlong – 6/10
Went about his business with limited fuss. Scrum and lineout work was very good.
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Tadhg Beirne – 7/10
Struggled in the early exchanges put in a big defence performance and will be all the better for the game. Top tackler with 16 tackles
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James Ryan(Capt) – 7/10
Worked hard and had to problem-solve with his lineout calling and dealing with the pressure on Ireland's lineout by England. Didn’t see much of his ball-carrying in the attack.
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Peter O’Mahony – 7/10
Great running line to set up Aki for Ireland’s 1st try. A big defensive performance.
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Josh Van Der Flier – 7/10
The little red scrum cap was everywhere with an impressive work rate. Made some really good clear-outs. Slowed done much of England’s attack with some smart counter rucks. 13 Tackles
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Cian Prendergast – 7/10
Settled into the game after some poor early Ball carries that caused Ireland problems but made up for it with some big tackles and turnover won. Caused England some big problems by disrupting their breakdown. 10 tackles
Replacements:
16· Rob Herring – 5/10
Came on just before half-time. Poor vital throw early in 2nd half. Didn't see much of him in the attack
17· Jeremy Loughman – 5/10
Didn't see enough time to have an impact on the game.
18· Finlay Bealham – 6/10
Good impact and grabbed Ireland a vital penalty when he came on
19· Joe McCarthy – 6/10
Threw himself around the pitch and offered himself up to carry some ball.
20· Caelan Doris– 6/10
Coasted for his 10 minutes on the pitch as the game petered out.
21· Conor Murray – 6/10
Just got through it with limited fuss or pressure
22· Jack Crawley – 6/10
Came on at 12 (movedto 10) and showed his talent and versatility. Tough in defence.
23· Keith Earls – 8/10
100th cap…… what a man!!! AND A TRY to mark the landmark. One of the most popular scores of any Irish player in Lansdowne Road history.
Coach– 6/10
Despite the win, there will be a few worries for the Ireland coaching staff. The Lineout wasn’t as slick as it normally is as England got the better of Ireland in the 1st half. The other concern will be the pace of Ireland's phase attack and attack organisation – but the game will give the squad a focus leading into the World Cup
All in all, the victory against England at the Aviva Stadium was celebrated, but improvements remain essential as Ireland progresses towards the World Cup 2023.
