Ireland player ratings vs Scotland | Rugby World Cup 2023
Ireland player ratings: Ireland showcased their mettle against Scotland in a Rugby World Cup 2023 pool stage statement 36-14 win. The so-called ‘green machine’ emerged victorious in a largely one-sided contest that was a treat for Irish fans and torture for the Scots.
Here’s our Ireland player ratings:
1. Andrew Porter – 8.5/10
Porter anchored the scrum, his formidable presence just about getting the better of Zander Fagerson. His solid showing acted as a counterweight to an Irish scrum which was creaking on the tighthead side. Was seen winning turnovers in the loose too.
2. Dan Sheehan – 8
Sheehan’s lineout throwing was pitch-perfect and he put in a rust-less shift after returning from several weeks on the sideline. Plenty of explosive runs were thrown in for good measure, scoring in the corner just after halftime. Had the most carries of any Irish player.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 6
He was struggling to contain Pierre Schoemann at scrum time, giving away a penalty early door. Displayed his usual strength and dynamism in the loose. tackling his heart out, but his middling setpiece performance continues to be a concern.
4. Tadhg Beirne – 7
A couple of uncharacteristic handling errors aside, Beirne’s versatility shone as he proved equally adept in the lineout and breakdown, disrupting Scotland’s rhythm at every turn. Kept on popping up in attack too.
5. Iain Henderson – 8
A rare start saw Henderson bring his physicality to the fore, and his leadership was invaluable in the heat of battle. Deservedly broke the Scottish line for a 5-pointer and the question will have to be asked has he done enough to pry away the number five jersey from James Ryan.
6. Peter O’Mahony – 7.5
O’Mahony’s work at the breakdown was crucial, and he showcased his trademark tenacity in defence, tackling like a dog all night. Showed he is still a viable carrying option, all but setting up Mack Hansen only for the winger to knock it on with the line beckoning.
7. Josh van der Flier – 7
Van der Flier was a nuisance at the breakdown and was one of Ireland’s leading tacklers. A little quieter in the ball-carrying department of late, although he had his moments.
8. Caelan Doris – 7
It started ignominiously for Doris, who was pinged for a high tackle with five minutes on the clock. Other than that he was a constant threat with ball in hand, making hard yards and ensuring quick recycling.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8.5
Gibson-Park provided a sublime service to the backline and managed the tempo effectively. His decision-making near the line was impeccable.
10. Johnny Sexton – 7.5
Sexton orchestrated the proceedings with his usual precision, controlling the game’s flow and kicking accurately from the tee. A stark contrast to Finn Russell across from him, who was forced into attempting to make something from nothing as Scotland’s attacking waves repeatedly broke against Ireland’s unwavering green wall. Triggered some argie bargie after retaliating for a trip from Ollie Smith, who got 10 minutes for his troubles.
11. James Lowe – 7.5
Lowe got the honours when he crossed the whitewash for Ireland’s first try after just 65 seconds and his territorial kicking game meant that Ireland repeatedly got the better of the kick tennis exchanges. Rumours of a hospital visit due to an eye injury were debunked on Twitter, although exactly what ailed him was not clear.
I know TV said James Lowe is gone to hospital, but he's standing on the touchline in front of us
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) October 7, 2023
12. Bundee Aki – 7.5
Aki’s robust carries and intelligent lines of running created openings for Ireland’s attack, even though he wasn’t quite as big an influence on the game as he was against the Boks. Still, a dandy performance.
13. Garry Ringrose – 7
Ringrose’s midfield partnership with Aki was a pivotal part of Ireland’s attacking strategy, and his defensive intelligence was crucial. Spent most of the game on the wing after Hansen came off.
14. Mack Hansen – 5
Failed to take an admittedly difficult ball with the line beckoning. Went off for a HIA and didn’t return, having been kept relatively quiet by the Scots in the short time he was on the pitch.
15. Hugo Keenan – 8
Keenan’s positional awareness and ability under the high ball were vital, and he linked up well in attack. A brilliant read on Darcy Graham’s cut inside saved Ireland’s bacon at one point, a read that epitomised Keenan’s resolute defence and Mensa-level rugby IQ. Got away with slipping into the touch, saving his blushes.
REPLACEMENTS:
Ronan Kelleher – 7
Provided fresh legs in the front row.
Dave Kilcoyne – 7
Put himself about in the loose.
Finlay Bealham – 7.5
Contributed to the forward battle and grabbed a meatpie too.
James Ryan – 6
Brought plenty work-rate off the bench despite his wrist injury, although he seemed to aggravate it.
Jack Conan – 6
It’s been a minute for Conan. Made an impact with his ball-carrying and defensive contributions.
Conor Murray – 7
Steered the ship after coming on after half-time for James Lowe, slowing down the pace with Ireland way ahead on the scoreboard.
Jack Crowley – 8
Brought youthful energy and looked totally at ease after coming on for Sexton. His kick for Garry Ringrose’s try was nigh on perfect.
Stuart McCloskey – 7.5
Got over 60 minutes and was good value for after coming on for Hansen.
Comments on RugbyPass
wel the crusaders were beaten by a queensland reds side that hadnt beaten them at home since 1999 and queensland reds partied like it was 1999
4 Go to commentsHard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
4 Go to commentsYeah nah, still not sure on Havili tbh. Even though I’m a Crusaders fan through and through I’d be stunned if Razor considers him after seeing some of the stunning talent coming through up North.
4 Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
1 Go to commentsJust came back from the game and the atmosphere was amazing. Players stayed afterwards for more than a hour to sign stuff and take photos with fans. Great day out.
5 Go to commentsA great game. The Sharks without Etsebeth are a shadow of the team compared to when he plays. The limitations of Some of the expensive Sharks players are being exposed. Credit to Clermont for some exhilaration play at times.
5 Go to comments100% Mr Owens. But who would want to be a referee.? It must be the most difficult job on earth.
1 Go to commentsStarts to be overdone and oversold this systematic SA narrative…which nevertheless has the merit in this case to recognise blatant refereeing mistakes in their favor
5 Go to commentsNice article. Shades of Steinbeck. They can win the final if they take the game seriously; but only if they take it seriously.
5 Go to commentsWhat a sad way to end a glittering career. Somebody should tell him to delete his social media accounts and face the consequences of what he's done. Then he should slip away quietly into obscurity. This isn't likely to happen, something tells me he'll be back in The Sun / Daily Mail sooner rather than later.
5 Go to commentsguys its fine! he understands why he did what he did and has taken accountability for it; why should he have to be accountable to a court? after all he did was abuse people in person - its not as if he was engaging in _online_ abuse!
5 Go to commentsChiefs flanker Kaylum Boshier yellow-carded for collapsing the scrum as it rolled towards the line. It was a maul….
1 Go to commentsyou know, i’m a leinster fan so I want Northampton to lose and it is gonna be tuff with Cortney lawes, Alex michell and the other guys🏉 lets go leinster🏉
1 Go to commentsWelcome to the Pro ranks. Those hard teams of old do hit the sole better though. its a dog fight at the top.
6 Go to commentsCan someone fill me in please, I've read a number of Ben Smith articles now and it seems he's got something again South Africa? Surely, this game was over and done with 7 months ago. Can't we have something a bit more interesting and relevant, or is this the calibre of journalist on this site?
238 Go to commentsNot sure what the Welsh are moaning about. They’ve had far more players off England, than England have had off Wales. Guys like Josh Hathaway and Kane James will play for Wales in the end. And they’ll be fsr better players for having played in the Gallagher Premiership, than they ever would have been had they stayed mired in the shambles that is Welsh rugby.
4 Go to commentsThis is all being blown totally out of proportion. First of all, since half the Irish team isn’t Irish - it’s very likely that none of the Irish players said that at all and, thus, we’re not being arrogant. Second, since half the Irish team is Kiwi - it’s very likely the Kiwi players were predicting a NZ SA World Cup final. Which they got spot on. Good on them!
163 Go to commentsAha. An Irishman with logic! Follow the flow: - Ireland peaks with a >80% win record between 2020 and 2023. And then… - crashes out of another QF at the WC; - Beat a poor French Team; - Beat 6N wooden spoonists Italy; - Play shite against eventual wooden spoonists Wales; - Lose against the most boring, “the worst English team ever” , a team widely regarded as unable to attack; - scrape through against Scotland. This article, No - Trimble, is on the money! Except for one glaring statement: _The Springboks have a few aces in the hole in this debate being the reigning world champions and official world number ones_ There is no debate, boys and girls. There it is. In black and white. “Reigning World Champions and OFFICIAL world number ones”. Come July, the overrated Andy Farrell and this overhyped team are going to enter into a world of hurt.
90 Go to commentsI’d like to know what homoerotic events Daniel enjoyed at 8th man. I clearly missed out!
20 Go to commentsThis article is missing some detail, like some actual context or info about what led to him abusing the ref.
2 Go to comments