Brilliant cover to sweep up and deny North an early try when Ireland’s defence was exposed by a switch and a fine finish to give Ireland the first-half lead against the run of play.

Steady in defence on tough day for wings to shine and, until he got the chance to force the issue late on, Larmour had to show his ability to get off the ground. 

His presence was missed in Ireland’s centre. Power and physicality in contact to help stem some of the momentum flow. Did brilliantly to roll Dan Biggar and deny him a score on the intercept. Will be disappointed that Hadleigh Parkes stormed beyond him on the next attack, though there was not a lot to be done – bar a flanker or two - with such a big man coming at that pace.

Carried on the  form he showed against the same opposition last weekend, bright and energetic in attack and offers a valuable line-breaking, off-loading threat.

With any luck the prognosis for his injury will not be as serious as it appeared. Earls provided the brightest moment in attack for Ireland during a tough opening quarter, but was unable to show his full skill-set due to a narrow approach from the hosts.

Odd start to the season as he overcooked his first 22 drop-out, but soon looked more like himself with a clever range of tactical kicking. His two involvements in the Kearney try show how important he is to this side’s attack. His intercept into Dan Biggar’s arms eventually led to Hadleigh Parkes’ score and the physical punishment aimed his way took a toll in the second half.

Showed flashes of his fluid best, but mixed in with misplaced passes and over-hit box kicks. Will be better for a clean Test run with Sexton.

Got through a Trojan amount of work around the ruck and clocked up seven first-half tackles as Wales dominated possession. Didn’t come out after the interval due to a HIA.

Struggled early on to hit the reduced number of targets in the line-out, but his threat on the ground wasn’t diminished and he led a gritty Irish approach as they hauled themselves back into the lead.

Bar the odd wobble in the scrum it was another very solid display from the world’s best tighthead and he capped it off by muscling over the try-line.

Typically, tone-setting forceful display on both sides of the ball. Called the line-out today and so will carry the can for some of the set-piece losses, but with Toner gone hE is the primary target for Ireland’s favourite attacking launch pad.

Still settling into this side on his third cap, but led the defensive efforts when Wales controlled the first half and had 10 tackles to his name when he departed early in the second half.

Showed his best facets with a big carry to pave the way for Kearney’s try, one of 15 big efforts at the gainline for his side.

Tremendous carry in the first half lit up Ireland’s enthusiasm for this Test. Difficult opponent to make inroads against in the breakdown, but ploughed through his work around the field with ease.

Ever industrious around the field for Ireland and matched Stander's impressive carry count. Did enough to maintain a narrow lead over the Munster man in a bid to start the World Cup in the number eight shirt.