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Ireland player ratings versus Scotland
By Ciarán Kennedy
Ireland's World Cup campaign is up and running and we have the player ratings from their superb 27-3 win against Scotland in Yokohama.
The win sets Ireland up as likely Pool A winners, with games against Japan, Russia and Samoa still to come, and with Ireland looking back to their best the talk will now focus on how far they can go in Japan.
15. JORDAN LARMOUR - 8
Electric feet and made some runs that lit up the stadium. Brilliant turnover penalty and did well under the high ball.
14. ANDREW CONWAY - 8
Full of energy, typified by kick and chase that forced Stuart Hogg back over his own line in first half. Injury opened the door for him here and he made the most of his opportunity with a superbly taken try.
13. GARRY RINGROSE - 7
Quiet by his standards going forward, but his contribution in defence was immense.
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12. BUNDEE AKI - 6
Early turnover and great work at the breakdown, but evening was cut short by injury.
11. JACOB STOCKDALE - 7
Wasn’t as involved as he would like going forward, but a solid shift, including a perfectly timed tackle on Stuart Hogg to kill Scotland attack in first half, and a few kick and chase attempts which just didn't fall his way.
10. JOHNNY SEXTON - 6.5
Missed conversion attempt and required plenty of treatment in first half, which saw him pass kicking duties to Murray. Defended well but not as involved in attack as usual.
9. CONOR MURRAY - 7.5
Took over place-kicking duties after Sexton required treatment, scoring one of three conversion attempts. Passing was excellent in difficult conditions and mixed up approach when necessary.
1. CIAN HEALY - 7.5
Another big performance from a player who has become so important for Joe Schmidt. Scrummaged well and was played his role going forward too.
2. RORY BEST - 8
Rolled back the years to score Ireland’s second try, doing really well to wiggle his way over the line. Answered his critics after a difficult few months, with 12/12 success rate from the lineout. Played full 80 minutes at 37 years of age.
3. TADHG FURLONG - 8
Scored Ireland’s third try. Looked back to his powerful best. Not only is Furlong excellent in the scrum, he’s a real threat with ball in hand.
4. IAIN HENDERSON - 7.5
Massive carry in the lead up to Ireland’s first try and led the charge as Ireland’s forwards beat up Scotland in the opening stages. Real presence and industry.
5. JAMES RYAN - 8
The most reliable player on this Ireland team. Pops up everywhere on the pitch and rarely puts a foot wrong. Scored Ireland’s opening try.
6. PETER O’MAHONY - 6
Forced off with injury after just 27 minutes. Had been central to much of Ireland’s play beforehand.
7. JOSH VAN DER FLIER - 8
Super workrate, as is standard for the Leinster flanker. A big performance with some crucial tackles as Scotland tried to find a way back into the game in the second half.
8. CJ STANDER - 7.5
A massive shift. His security on the ball is the reason he's remained Ireland's first choice No 8. Equally reliable in defence, but conceded penalty for going off his feet.
Replacements
16. NIALL SCANNELL - 6
Had to slot into the back row but equipped himself well in a messy end to the game.
17. DAVE KILCOYNE - 6
A standout performer in Ireland's warm-up fixtures but didn't get the opportunity to show that here.
18. ANDREW PORTER- 7
Scrummaged well in tough conditions, and ensured the power stayed in the Irish pack as Schmidt rang the changes.
19. TADHG BEIRNE- 6
Yellow carded after going off his feet, which could have been costly.
20. JACK CONAN - 8
Penalty for not rolling away only real blot on an excellent evening’s work. There have been calls to include Conan in starting team for some time now and he showed why here.
21. LUKE McGRATH - 7
Has come a long way to make the World Cup squad ahead of Kieran Marmion, and he repaid Schmidt's faith here.
22. JACK CARTY - 7
Solid kick to touch to ease himself into the game, and followed it up with a lovely kick to Chris Farrell. Confident performance. Kicked one conversion.
23. CHRIS FARRELL - 7.5
Had a big impact on the game after replacing Aki. Defensively solid, made some brilliant runs and showcased his superb soft hands in attack.
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Latest Comments
Don't worry about him Tom. Idiots don't realise how idiotic they are. It wont be long before he runs his conspiracy the players don't like Joe. People like the fool OJohn are a major part of our problem. No need to worry about the opposition when our supposed supporters are white anting the team and the system.
Go to commentsI look at exactly that way haha.
I’m a massive Blackadder fan when he is injury free and has got some form through regular game time which is about 10 minutes a season.
Havilli is a smaller less skilled version of Jordie barret.
Christie gets far too much of a hard time from the critics.
If we have an injury crisis and lose Roigard, Ratima, Fokotava, Hotham, Xavier Roe, Tahuriorangi, and that young fulla who was the back up for the U20s this year then we’ll all be glad he’s around.
The only thing Razor did that has infuriated me was picking George Bell.
That dude better make Kevin Mealamu look like Stephen Moore by the end of Super Rugby next year if he’s going to get picked again.
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