Ireland player ratings vs Wales
Hapless as the records tumbled for all the wrong reasons in London last weekend, Ireland badly needed to bounce back against the Welsh in Cardiff and they ultimately did despite a frantic finish to a match that ended 22-17 in their favour.
They should have been way more comfortable victors and at 22-3 ahead on 58 minutes they had secured the +15 points winning margin that would have bizarrely lifted them to No1 status in the much-maligned world rankings.
That scanario evaporated, though, on the back of last-quarter Welsh tries through Owen Lane and Rhys Patchell, Ireland losing their concentration coming down the finishing straight.
Prior to that anxiety, however, they can be pleased that they did enough to deservedly win a largely a low-quality contest where their scrum was particularly impressive against a brittle Welsh set-piece. But there will be no crowing from the rooftops about the win. This was a middle strength Irish XV beating a second-string Welsh XV.
A win is a win, though, and it tees up next Saturday’s rematch in Dublin where it is expected that both countries will likely select first choice XVs to bring the curtain down on their respective World Cup warm-up match schedules. Here’s how the Ireland XV rated in Cardiff:
Jacob Stockdale scored twice, Man of the Match Jack Carty added a penalty and a conversion to go with an all round gritty performance from the Ireland team to deliver the win.#ShoulderToShoulder #WALvIRE https://t.co/N5q6RJHtGr
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 31, 2019
WILL ADDISON – 5
A fringe player dependent on his versatility to get him into the World Cup squad, he clocked up metres carrying from the back but there will be questions as to how effective that yardage genuinely was. Opened with a smart kick that had Wales scampering back to their goal line, but was lamely driven into touch on halfway on 17 minutes. Had very little to do in defence, so blunt were the Welsh in first-half attack. Came back temporarily from an early second-half blood bin before giving way permanently on 58 minutes to Garry Ringrose. Will be worried he didn’t do enough. Then again, in his absence, Ringrose’s defence didn’t go well as he missed the tackle for Rhys Patchell’s try on 76 minutes.
ANDREW CONWAY – 7
Another occupying the high 20s/low 30s in the squad pecking order, he did his chances of selection for Japan no harm at all with an inventive effort that illustrated his usual collection of guts, bravery and safe hands. It was his incisive running that jolted an initially miserable contest to life on 17 minutes, carving open the Welsh defence to put Jacob Stockdale in at the corner. He should have scored himself on 54 minutes, but the try was ruled out for Jack Carty throwing the pass forward.
CHRIS FARRELL – 4
Bearing in mind his lack of versatility, he really needed a huge show at centre to demonstrate that he is a specialist midfielder who just can’t be left at home for RWC. He was admittedly his usual aggressive presence in the collision, but his sleight of hand is something that leaves him struggling when compared to fellow Irish centres and it drastically undermined him on 49 minutes when he knocked on five metres from the Welsh line.
? Look at the the reaction!@JacobStockdale's 15th try in 21 @IrishRugby Tests clearly meant a lot#C4Rugby #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/Ic0GafnWsG
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) August 31, 2019
BUNDEE AKI – 6
Missing in action in the Irish humiliation at Twickenham and put under further pressure with Brian O’Driscoll’s midweek call on RugbyPass that the first-choice partnership should be Robbie Henshaw and Ringrose, Aki gave it socks in Cardiff to restore some of his buffeted reputation. Suffered an inaccurate start, knocking on early and also throwing a pass forward, but then settled into a more eye-catching rhythm that resulted in a near 50-metre carrying total by half-time. Was pinged just before the break for holding on at the ruck, but continue to be busy throughout a second half where the only downside was a tackle in the air that ruled out Ringrose’s 72nd minute try.
JACOB STOCKDALE – 7
Only hung around for 40 minutes but that was enough for him to get back into the groove following his below-par run at Twickenham. A couple of turnovers will have boosted his confidence as a defender which was dented by the manner of England running amok, and he was savvy and streetwise in the attack, a feeling added to by a no-nonsense, serious-looking haircut. It was his carry that sparked the pressure for Jack Carty’s opening penalty, and his footwork then got him over the line twice, first rounding off Conway’s break and then stealing Aaron Shingler’s needlessly loose pass on halfway to kick ahead and score. His interval replacement Dave Kearney was muted by contrast.
JACK CARTY – 7
This out-half has always been an under-rated commodity, but this first Test start following a number of caps off the bench will do his chances of beating Ross Byrne in the squeeze for RWC half-back spots no harm at all as he was excellent. There was variety, there was tidiness and there was some last-quarter composure that was just enough to ensure Ireland clung on to their five-point win. The one blemish was the forward pass that denied Conway a second-half score, but that error wasn’t enough for the official man of the match award to be taken away from him.
Having watched Ireland get torn asunder by England, the legendary Brian O'Driscoll has stated his preferred midfield partnership for the World Cup
https://t.co/vdKfCFJhxz— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 27, 2019
KIERAN MARMION – 6
Will be pleased that his provincial rapport with Connacht colleague Carty was able to make a positive impression at Test level. There were little or no frills on his part, as playing it safe in his role was the approach that best suited to help rebuild the confidence of Irish forwards who spent far too long on the back foot in London. It was Marmion who won an important penalty at a Welsh ruck in the 22 to douse early second-half pressure. Being strong and durable over opposition ball isn’t a position you expect to find him in. Gave way on 60 minutes to Luke McGrath, who went on to produce a fine try-saving intervention eight minutes later.
DAVE KILCOYNE – 8
The loosehead was the RugbyPass man of the match for his 45-minute effort. It can’t be easy demanding notice when competing with the likes of Cian Healy and Jack McGrath, two Lions who keep winning honours with Leinster. But Kilcoyne has come on a ton at this level in 2019 and Wales couldn’t keep him quiet. He made over 30 metres off five first-half carries, led the Irish tackle count by the interval, laid down the early marker at the scrum and burst through Josh Navidi in the early creation of the opening Stockdale try. He exited for a HIA early in the second half and impressive emergency loosehead Andrew Porter, who has played tighthead the past three years, arrived to force home the initiative at the scrum, Wales’ Leon Brown seeing yellow before a penalty try was eventually awarded.
NIALL SCANNELL – 6
After the nightmare that was Ireland’s lineout at Twickenham, Scannell will be pleased there was far greater reliability at a set-piece where the one downside was seeing a throw to Peter O’Mahony early in the second half pilfered. Before that, he was on the money, even chancing variation with one quick throw to Tadhg Beirne at the front just outside the Irish 22 on 23 minutes. Demonstrating vigilance getting around the park, his general play was summed up by scooping up loose Welsh possession on the floor on his 22. With Ireland enjoying a 15-3 advantage he departed on 52 minutes knowing he had enhanced his status, an impression endorsed by Rory Best and co struggling in a frantic final 10 minutes.
JOHN RYAN – 5
He did his nuts and bolts no problem, giving Ireland some stability at the scrum after an initial mishap and helping the lifting at the lineout run smoothly. But what lets Ryan down by comparison with his positional rivals is an ordinary level of contribution in other aspects of the game. Would have felt he needed longer than the 52 minutes he got as the next few minutes was where Ireland, with Tadhg Furlong having come on, really turned the screw on the Welsh scrum and he missed out.
IAIN HENDERSON – 5
Looked way more at ease partnering James Ryan than combining a week ago with rookie Jean Kleyn, who looked out his depth at Twickenham. Henderson was still laboured here in parts, looking like a player who needs yet another game before the pre-season cobwebs have truly been dusted off, but this was a step in the right direction.
JAMES RYAN – 7
Whereas Ireland badly lacked directness and physicality against England, the talisman Ryan was to the fore in altering that situation against Wales. He led the way in the tight exchanges which helped unsettle an unfamiliar Welsh XV and ensure Ireland were very good value for their interval lead. Departed on 52 minutes for Devin Toner knowing he had laid the platform for a win that was more comfortable than the final scoreline suggested.
Make that 1?6? tries in 21 Tests… “He knows how to score a try!”@JacobStockdale grabs his second to extend @IrishRugby’s lead#C4Rugby #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/RrDFqf2gPq
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) August 31, 2019
TADHG BEIRNE – 6
After being swamped in the Cardiff deluge last March, Beirne managed to do numerous positive things here under the Principality Stadium roof that will ensure he is at the centre of the debate Joe Schmidt will be having on what back rows to bring to Japan. He didn’t let this golden chance slip and was important in subduing a Welsh back row that on paper was capable of doing more damage. His nimbleness in falling on loose Welsh ball four minutes before the break highlighted his thirst for involvement, but the big question is has he done enough to get ahead of Rhys Ruddock, an old favourite of Schmidt’s, in the RWC pecking order.
PETER O’MAHONY – 7
The lack of balance in the Irish back row exposed him last weekend but he looked more like his usual self here, inspired by both the captaincy and getting a rare chance to play at openside. He was a nuisance for the 60 minutes he was on the pitch before being replaced by Jordi Murphy and while he was at fault for the not rolling away penalty that allowed Wales tie the game early on at 3-3, he led his team well and showed to Schmidt he is well able for the responsibility in Japan should Best’s halo slip any further.
JACK CONAN – 6
He continues to be one of the likely lads of this Irish set-up, someone who oozes talent but struggles to consistently leave it all out there on the pitch when given a big chance. With CJ Stander anonymous against the English, this was an opportunity to make a timely impression ahead of Ireland’s September 8 World Cup selection announcement, but he didn’t outstandingly shine to heap the pressure on Stander. Was penalised for the offside that resulted in Jarrod Evans missing what should have been a three-point kick on 26 minutes.
WATCH: Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll tips England to win the World Cup in Japan
Comments on RugbyPass
The Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
3 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
3 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
30 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
3 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
30 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
30 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith Springboks living rent free in his head 😊😂
67 Go to commentsGood to hear he would like to play the game at the highest level, I hadn’t been to sure how much of a motivator that was before now. Sadly he’s probably chosen the rugby club to go to. Try not to worry about all the input about how you should play rugby Joey and just try to emulate what you do on the league field and have fun. You’ll limit your game too much (well not really because he’s a standard athlete like SBW and he’ll still have enough) if you’re trying to make sure you can recycle the ball back etc. On the other hard, you can totally just try and recycle by looking to offload any and everywhere if you’re going to ground 😋
1 Go to commentsThis just proves that theres always a stat and a metric to use to justify your abilities and your success. Ben did it last week by creating an imaginary competition and now you did the same to counter his argument and espouse a new yardstick for success. Why not just use the current one and lets say the Boks have won 4 world cups making them the most successful world cup team. Outside of the world cup the All Blacks are the most successful team winning countless rugby championships and dominating the rankings with high win percentages. Over the last 4 years statistically the Irish are the best having the highest win rate and also having positive records against every tier 1 side. The most successful Northern team in the game has been England with a world cup title and the most six nations titles in history. The AB’s are the most dominant team in history with the highest win rate and 3 world cups. Lets not try to reinvent the wheel. Just be honest about the actual stats and what each team has been good at doing and that will be enough to define their level of success.
30 Go to commentsHow is 7’s played there? I’m surprised 10 or 11 man rugby hasn’t taken off. 7 just doesn’t fit the 15s dynamics (rules n field etc) but these other versions do.
9 Go to commentsPick Swinton at your peril A liability just like JWH from the Roosters Skelton ??? went missing at RWC
14 Go to comments