Ireland vs Wales: Ireland player ratings
Despite having 69% possession Ireland struggled to put Wales away in their Natwest 6 Nations match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday. A Jacob Stockdale intercept with the clock in the red wrapped up a 37-27 win for Joe Schmidt’s side, to keep them on track for the Grand Slam.
Ireland player ratings:
Said Dan Biggar’s cues were easier to read in the build-up to this match, however he lost aerial duels with the Wales fly half in the 29th minute and in the 62nd minute – the second was in the build-up to the Aaron Shingler try. A 42nd minute attempted drop kick didn’t quite match Johnny Sexton’s heroics in Paris – not one he’ll want to see again. A nice break in the lead-up to Dan Leavy’s 44th minute try.
Unfortunate to knock on a kick off routine after Wales’ first try. Wonderful incisive run in the 33rd minute to carve open the Wales defence. His pace was very much evident in a 58th minute break and very unlucky not to come up with a score. Taken off as a precaution in the 64th minute with muscle cramp.
After playing twice in November this was his Six Nations debut, replacing the injured Robbie Henshaw. A big hit on Leigh Halfpenny in the first 20 seconds settled his nerves and he was not found wanting in defence all day. Showed his acrobatics to leap high and claim the restart after Wales’ opening penalty. Carried forcefully, constantly punching holes – an excellent performance.
Accidental offside for Wales’ opening penalty. Also spilled a ball in Wales’ 22 in the 10th minute with Ireland having a good attacking platform. Penalised for blocking in the 25th minute to hand Wales’ second penalty. He didn’t let those disappointments affect him however. He showed his power and finishing ability with a brilliant one-handed reach to score on the stroke of half-time. Solid defensively, combined well with Farrell.
- Jacob Stockdale 8
Six tries in six internationals before this one. Made it seven in seven early on. Knocked on in the 23rd minute when attempting a fingertip catch, but he took a couple of high balls after that before half time. Scored the crucial intercept try with the clock in the red. He is now the Six Nations top try scorer with four.
Jacob Stockdale speaks to RugbyPass about being the Six Nations top try scorer
- Jonathan Sexton 6
Warren Gatland spoke before the match that disrupting Sexton and Murray was crucial to success and this was far from a vintage performance from the Leinster man. He missed a penalty directly in front of the posts in the 5th minute when it came off the post and that set the tone from the tee, he missed four kicks in total. His running game was fine, including a sensational skip pass for Jacob Stockdale’s 6th minute try.
Joe Schmidt on defensive over Johnny Sexton’s performance
Did excellently to juggle Keith Earls pass in the leadup to the Dan Leavy try. Service to Sexton faultless. His box kicking wasn’t to his usual standard, with a few over-cooked. Stepped up to kick Ireland’s final penalty to give them the 10-point advantage they needed.
A couple of good carries in the opening 20 minutes, making himself the first receiver. Continued that throughout. One of his finest performances in an Ireland shirt. Got a 54th minute try that his performance deserved. Came off in the 65th minute for Jack McGrath. Man-of-the-match.
Had a couple of lineouts to the tail stolen which will annoy him, but his usual industrious self in the loose. There in support for Dan Leavy’s early second half try.
Replaced Tadhg Furlong after three minutes against Italy, this was his first Six Nations start. Handled his duel with Rob Evans admirably and also got through his fair share of ball carrying. An able deputy for Furlong and rightly praised by Joe Schmidt in the aftermath.
Another singled out by Joe Schmidt in his post-match press conference. A big hit on Gareth Davies in the 16th minute illustrated his line speed and workrate. His mobility around the park meant Iain Henderson’s absence wasn’t keenly felt.
Ireland’s go-to man in the lineout, but also one of his better performances in the loose.
- Peter O’Mahoney 7
Won a penalty in the 14th minute off a turnover, one which Sexton failed to convert. One of the players who was key to Ireland winning the breakdown battle.
- Dan Leavy 9
A constant menace in the breakdown winning a multitude of turnovers. A try scorer in the 45th minute, his third try in seven appearances. Ireland’s top tackler, with 12, a near faultless display.
Another solid performance from Ireland’s number eight. Gave away a 79th minute penalty in Wales’ 22 to help them gain better field position as they chased a winning try, but thankfully for the Munster man it didn’t prove costly.
10 minutes isn’t long to make an impression, but part of a front row that won a crucial late penalty.
A 65th minute substitute for Cian Healy and continued where his clubmate left off with a few carries. Loosehead an area of real strength for Ireland.
A 67th minute substitute for Andrew Porter. Won a scrum penalty in the 75th minute, to help stretch Ireland’s lead to 10 points.
Replaced Toner, nothing of note in the debit or credit ledger.
Replaced O’Mahony and did nothing wrong.
- Kieran Marmion N/A
Left on the bench and probably best too as his game management was poor in the closing stages against Italy.
Replaced Sexton with three minutes to go. Kicked the final conversion.
A 65th minute sub for the Keith Earls. Absent for Steff Evans’ try.
Warren Gatland gives rare post-match apology to Joe Schmidt
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments