IRELAND BEAT WALES 35-21 at the Millennium Stadium to start their World Cup warm-up series. Here’s how we rated their individual involvements.
Felix Jones: 7
Didn’t put a foot wrong all afternoon and was rewarded with a second-half try as he got on the end of a lovely Simon Zebo pass.
Andrew Trimble: 8
Only got just over half an hour on the pitch, but his impact was telling. Massive hit for the Earls try and was superb on kick chase.
Keith Earls: 8
An excellent return to the international game as Earls finally got to play under Schmidt. A few errors, but his attacking contributions were brilliant.
Darren Cave: 8
No huge busts but did the effective carrying expected of an inside centre. Did his World Cup hopes no harm with a muscular display against Scott Williams.
Fergus McFadden: 7
Very lively in the opening exchanges and nearly helped to set up Eoin Reddan for an early try. Less involved in the second half, but always delivered when called on.
Paddy Jackson: 6
Early use of the boot appeared to be a tactical call, although we would love to see him back his running and passing instincts. Kicked four from seven off the tee, and had one or two other slight mistakes in open play. Remains an excellent option for World Cup.
Eoin Reddan: 8
Full of energy and his passing was superb. Conor Murray is the first choice in this position, but Reddan has the ability to change games with his pacy skills.
Jack McGrath: 7
Part of an excellent scrum effort against an underpowered Welsh unit and as effective as ever around the pitch.
Richardt Strauss: 8
Busy outing for the Leinster hooker despite his stint on the sideline for a Head Injury Assessment. Powerful in contact and efficient at the set-piece.
Mike Ross: 8
Has started every single Ireland game since Joe Schmidt took over and this was the latest demonstration of why. A totem in the scrum and good at ruck time too.
Donnacha Ryan: 8
Brings impact to every collision he’s involved in, and constantly seeks out the next one. Looking in good shape as the World Cup looms.
Iain Henderson: 7
Didn’t get the chances to run one-on-one that allow him to fully thrive, but got through his work-rate duties in the second row very well.
Jordi Murphy: 7
Another who was quietly effective with a very low error count. Got through more defensive work than most and was also strong in the lineout.
Tommy O’Donnell: 8
Fingers across the country are crossed for the Tipperary man after his late injury. Was brilliant before that, intelligent and hard-working in all aspects.
Jamie Heaslip: 9
On another level to every other player on the pitch. Schmidt might look to wrap him in cotton wool now before the World Cup. Faultless.
Replacements:
Rory Best: 7
An impressive cameo when Strauss was being assessed and then finished the game strongly.
Dave Kilcoyne: 7
Came on and helped to ensure that Ireland’s scrum dominance did not fade. Several good carries too.
Michael Bent: 6
Used at tighthead as Schmidt studied his options for the final 31-man squad. Did his prospects no harm with a busy shift in defence.
Dan Tuohy: 6
Another who was called upon repeatedly in defence late on, looked to be in fresh form physically.
Chris Henry: 6
Unlucky to be binned for a perceived breakdown offence, but was everywhere when on the pitch.
Kieran Marmion: 6
Passed well during his 13-minute stint on the pitch and made a couple of tackles.
Ian Madigan: 7
Didn’t get long to impress but one break down the right stood out, as did an excellent right-handed pass.
Simon Zebo: 7
Was handed an easy try by Tommy O’Donnell’s awareness, though his pass for Jones’ try was excellent.
