IRELAND LOST AGAIN in the Six Nations this afternoon. Here’s out match report from Twickenham, here’s how we rated Ireland.
Rob Kearney 5
Looked like vintage Kearney at times during the second half, but was unable to make a big impact on the few occasions Ireland did attack.
Andrew Trimble 5
Bigger men than him have been mowed down by Billy Vunipola, but Trimble would have hoped to do a tad better than being a speedbump.
Robbie Henshaw: 7
Provided Ireland’s best moments in attack. In the first half, with a powerful burst from his own half and in the second when latching on to Sexton’s break, but was unable to unable to finish either off.
Stuart McCloskey: 6
England defence coach Paul Gustard clearly designed his framework around the Ulster centre and every time he caught possession he was slammed by two white jerseys. Made much more of an impact after the break and looked much more settled before being replaced.
Keith Earls: 6
Didn’t put a foot wrong. Showed off some excellent deft kicking on some of his few involvements to help Ireland escape from two tough situations in the 22.
Johnny Sexton: 7
Kicked very well again and looked potent in attack even when clearly playing through the pain barrier.
Conor Murray: 7
He’s making a nice habit of scoring these one-yard tries and today’s looked like it could be the most valuable of them all. Was solid throughout and would have hoped to have seen more of a sanction against Mike Brown after being kicked in the head.
Jack McGrath: 8
You can always rely on a relentless effort from McGrath and he’s accurate more often than not. Set a great early tone in the scrum, winning a penalty to let England know they wouldn’t be having that set-piece all their own way.
Rory Best: 7
Typified Ireland’s incredible effort in the first half, Trojan work at the breakdown and somehow arm-wrestled George Kruis out of a try.
Mike Ross: 7
His experience and scrum expertise helped Ireland complete a great escape after a sustained English onslaught in the first half. As ever, he’s sorely missed when he’s not around to repel the opposition scrum late on.
Donnacha Ryan: 7
Showed himself to be much more mobile than some of his detractors would have you believe, dominated some important tackles in wide channels and helped force a turnover when England were attacking in front of the posts.
Devin Toner: 7
Terrific presence, especially when England looked like steam-rolling Ireland from the off and showed his engine once more with some important carries in the second half.
CJ Stander: 8
When Billy Vunipola threatened to run rampant, big CJ was there to haul him down any way, any how.
Josh van der Flier: 7
Bright start from the debutant in the back row and was effective in disrupting early rucks. IJust seemed to lose concentration to give away penalty at crucial stage of second half, but was unfortunate not to score a try that might have reignited the game.
Jamie Heaslip: 6
Took some punishment and got through his work, but never looked ready to do more than hold his own. A right flank attack late in first half looked tailor made for him, but kick ahead was too heavy for anyone to profit from.
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